DERRY CITY HAVE confirmed that they have reached a mutual agreement with James McClean to terminate the Irish centurion’s contract at the club with immediate effect.

In January 2026, McClean rejoined his boyhood club from Wrexham on a multi-year deal, with hopes of ending City’s long wait for a Premier Division title.

But the Irish legends’ return to the Brandywell did not go to plan, with the side failing to compete at the top end of the table, and injury issues and disputes with the club becoming public.

McClean’s last appearance for the Candystripes was back in July. The following month it was reported that Derry had attempted to cancel McClean’s contract on the grounds of his physical condition.

McClean recently released a statement through the PFAI labelling the club’s treatment of him as “incomprehensible” and “setting a dangerous precedent”.

Today, reflecting on the news of this contract termination, McClean said:

“I am pleased that we have reached a resolution to settle these matters. While my return to the club did not work out as I had hoped, Derry City FC will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to thank the fans for their support, and I wish the squad, the management, staff and the supporters the very best for the future. In particular, I want to wish the team the best of luck in the FAI Cup Final against Waterford FC.”

Derry chairman Philip O’Doherty also offered comment on McClean’s departure from the club:

“On behalf of everyone at Derry City, I want to thank James for his dedication to his hometown club. His achievements extend far beyond the Brandywell; amassing 103 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland is a remarkable milestone, and we want to formally acknowledge his immense contribution to Irish football as a whole. We wish him the very best for the future.”

It was first reported in August that McClean and the League of Ireland club were set to part ways.

In June, the 37-year-old McClean hinted at his unhappiness at Derry City following his return after a 15-year stint in English football.

“Family [are] enjoying being home – probably not so much myself, if I’m being honest,” McClean said during a punditry appearance on RTÉ.

“You know, you have a lot of conversations on the phone, and then you come home, and you quickly realise that what you hear on the phone is not what you see in reality.

“There’s a lot of factors that’s contributed to that, but we’ll leave them for another day.”

At the beginning of October McClean hit out at his treatment by the club. 

The Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFAI) have released a statement detailing some of the issues McClean has faced in recent months, which have contributed to a breakdown in his relationship with his home club.

There were contrasting statements about the Ireland international’s fitness and at the time the PFAI said: “The club has a duty of care to James, who they signed without conducting a medical.”

“He is a much-loved native of Derry and highly regarded Irish international centurion. 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.”

On 6 October, McClean apologised for some of his public comments which he called “misjudged” and said: “I am ready to play when called upon.”

The club claimed McClean had “chosen to publicise selective elements” of the medical advice he had received, and stressed that it was continuing to seek to resolve the matter internally.

Written by Gareth Lyons and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.