James McClean Rejects Derry City Cup Final Invitation After Contract Dispute
Republic of Ireland centurion James McClean has stated he has “no interest” in attending the upcoming Club Orange FAI Cup final, declaring that “the damage is done” regarding his relationship with Derry City. The player has not played for his hometown club since July, following an August report that the Brandywell side attempted to cancel his contract on the grounds of his physical condition. McClean released a statement via the PFAI describing the termination attempt as “incomprehensible” and “setting a dangerous precedent,” calling his months away from the squad one of the toughest periods of his life.
Derry City Reaches Final Under Interims as McClean Heads to Manchester
While Derry City has revived its form under interim manager Mark Connolly—securing wins over Dundalk and Galway United to reach the final against Waterford—McClean will be absent from the stands on Sunday week. In an interview with RTÉ Radio 1’s Inside Sport, McClean confirmed he will skip the fixture at the Aviva Stadium to take his son to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United instead. He noted that teammates already collected their Cup final suits, but remarked, “They could come to me tomorrow and say, you’re going to start the game and you’re going to play the full 90 minutes. And I’d say, thanks but no thanks.”
Patrick McClean Thrives Amid Background Turmoil at Brandywell
Despite his own estrangement from the squad, McClean expressed support for his brother and teammate Patrick McClean, who won Man of the Match during the 2-0 semi-final win away to Galway United. McClean suggested that the public friction surrounding his own contract situation may have inadvertently boosted his younger brother’s independent popularity. “I would probably say my situation has made him more popular! Hating on me has made him more popular,” McClean told RTÉ Radio 1. He added that Patrick has stepped out of his shadow this season, stating, “He’s finally being recognised as Patrick McClean and that’s because he’s been outstanding.”
Addressing Past Tensions With Former Manager Stephen Kenny
McClean also addressed revelations from his autobiography, ‘The Walls’, regarding former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, including stories about motivational tactics and a player-given nickname. McClean clarified that he holds no ill feelings toward Kenny and defended his prior support for the manager during difficult periods. He recounted vouching for Kenny when he took the Ireland job in 2020 and stepping in to protect his position with the FAI after an internal video ahead of a friendly against England at Wembley shocked players. “I didn’t paint him [in a poor light]. I actually defended him,” McClean said of the book’s contents, emphasizing that time changes people and their past differences are now in the past.
Common Questions Regarding the Brandywell Dispute
Will James McClean attend the FAI Cup final?
No. McClean stated on RTÉ Radio 1 that he has no interest in attending the match between Derry City and Waterford at the Aviva Stadium, choosing instead to take his son to Old Trafford.
Why did James McClean’s relationship with Derry City break down?
The relationship fractured after Derry City attempted to cancel McClean’s contract in August over his physical condition, a move McClean’s union representatives at the PFAI described as an incomprehensible precedent.
How has Patrick McClean performed during the current season?
Patrick McClean was awarded Man of the Match in Derry’s 2-0 semi-final victory over Galway United.
What did James McClean reveal about Stephen Kenny in his book?
In his autobiography ‘The Walls’, McClean discussed Kenny’s motivational methods and player nicknames, while also noting that he previously supported and defended Kenny during turbulent periods with the national team.
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