PFA issue statement on James McClean as he describes 'one of the most difficult periods of my life'

The PFA of Ireland have issued a statement on behalf of James McClean, in which he criticises what he describes as the 'incomprehensible' treatment of him by his current club Derry City.

McClean left Wrexham earlier this year to return to the city of his birth. Derry is located in Northern Ireland but the club were admitted to play in the Republic of Ireland's league system during The Troubles.

The 37-year-old has made 20 appearances in all competitions since his return to Derry City, but none since July amid a contract dispute with the club. It was reported in August that his contract had been terminated, but McClean continued to appear at training. Now, a lengthy statement has been released, by both the PFA of Ireland and McClean, in which they hit out at Derry over their alleged actions.

PFA of Ireland statement on James McClean

The PFA say they are representing McClean 'in a dispute with Derry City FC over the terms of his contract', which began when the club's chairman attempted to terminate his contract.

They explain that McClean has had 'intermittent issues' caused by a hip injury, which has caused him to miss several games but from which he has now fully recovered from.

The statement adds that the PFA's solicitor has been involved in 'protracted correspondence' with the League of Ireland club, which resulted in the confirmation that they had triggered a little-known clause in McClean's contract.

"It transpires they had in fact set about invoking Section 18 of the Standard Players Contract, which states that if a player is deemed to have a permanent incapacity as determined by an agreed and independent physician, then the club is entitled to terminate the contract with six months notice. To date, no physician, either independent or agreed, has reached such a conclusion.

"Indeed, an Orthopaedic Surgeon, who saw him at the request of the club as recently as 21 September, said he believes he can continue to play football as long as he is not in severe pain. He is not in severe pain and is willing, able and anxious to return to playing for Derry City.

"The club has a duty of care to James, who they signed without conducting a medical ... we would hope that this matter can be resolved in an amicable and sensible manner and in such a way that would allow James to play again for the club he loves."

'A dangerous precedent for every player in this league...' - James McClean hits out at 'incomprehensible' treatment

McClean states: "This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life, both personally and professionally.

"I accept that some of my actions over the past few months were misjudged, and my frustrations should have remained in-house. I take responsibility for that - and I apologise. Derry City is my club, and I respect everyone who cares about it as much as I do.

"I was asked to help drive standards, to speak up, and to use my experience to further professionalise my hometown club. From the start of the season, I tried to do this to the best of my ability, but I felt when I did my opinions were not well received.

"I cannot understand or accept that I have been treated this way over the past few months," he continues. "For any club to feel it is ok to attempt to terminate a player's contract without any due process or just cause is incomprehensible, and it sets a dangerous precedent for every player in this league.

"I am not permanently incapacitated, or anything even remotely close to that. I am capable of contributing and doing well in the League of Ireland. I train as hard and give as much as anyone.

"I will decide when I retire. Nobody else will make that decision for me. When that time comes, my body will tell me. This is my life and my career. I deserve the same duty of care and fairness given to the majority of other players at Derry City FC. I am ready to play when called upon."

In response to the claims made by the PFA Ireland and McClean, Derry City wrote in a statement: "Derry City FC notes the public statement issued by the PFA Ireland (PFAI) on behalf of James McClean on 6 October 2026.

"This statement was made without prior notice to the Club, just four days before the biggest match of the Club's season.

"The Club welcomes James' acknowledgement that some of his recent actions were misjudged and that his frustrations should have remained in-house.

"At all times, the Club has sought to resolve this internal matter privately. Out of respect for confidentiality and the fact that this dispute involves sensitive medical details regarding James' hip condition, the Club have previously refrained from making any public statement on the matter.

"While the PFAI and James have chosen to publicise selective elements of the medical advice received, the Club does not propose to comment further on James' current medical condition.

"The Club is fully aware of the obligations it owes to all contracted players. All squad members who are deemed fully fit remain available for selection. Ultimately, matchday selection remains the sole prerogative of the management team, acting in conjunction with guidance from our medical staff."