James McClean opens up on difficult period amid Derry City dispute

James McClean has spoken out regarding an ongoing dispute with Derry City, describing it as one of the most difficult periods of his life. The 37-year-old winger has not featured for the Candystripes since July 24, remaining unused under caretaker boss Mark Connolly. While acknowledging some of his own recent actions were misjudged, McClean voiced frustration over his treatment and affirmed that he alone will decide when to retire.

The Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland (PFAI) is representing McClean in the contractual dispute. The union clarified that McClean is fully fit after addressing an intermittent hip injury, noting he has trained without issue for nine weeks and remains available for selection without receiving a satisfactory explanation for his exclusion.