Wrexham AFC veteran James McClean is reportedly considering a shock departure from the Hollywood-owned club after growing increasingly frustrated with his lack of playing time in the Championship.
From Key Player to Bench Role
The 36-year-old wing-back, who has been instrumental in Wrexham's back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship, has seen his role dramatically reduced this season. McClean has managed just three starts from 15 Championship fixtures this term, with six additional appearances coming from the substitutes' bench.
Earlier this month, the Republic of Ireland international openly acknowledged his dissatisfaction during an appearance on a podcast presented by Westlife's Nicky Byrne. "I'll be honest, I've really enjoyed it up until the last two or three months," McClean revealed. "It's not been ideal, I've not been playing as much as I'd like, which is never a good thing."
Potential Return to Roots
McClean's frustration has now sparked serious transfer speculation, with his hometown club Derry City emerging as a potential destination. According to reports from the Irish Independent, the League of Ireland outfit are interested in securing the experienced defender on a loan deal when the January transfer window opens.
While no final decisions are expected until December, sources indicate McClean is open to the emotional return to the club where he began his professional career between 2008 and 2011. The move would see him return to regular first-team football, a priority for the player at this stage of his career.
Coping Mechanisms and Future Plans
The veteran footballer has been channeling his frustration through intensive boxing training, which he credits with helping him manage his disappointment more maturely than in his younger years. "Nowadays, I just channel that frustration and annoyance and do my training," McClean explained. "Before, I'd throw my toys out of the pram. Now, I just channel that frustration into the punch bag."
McClean's reduced opportunities follow Wrexham's summer signing of New Zealand international Liberato Cacace from Italian club Empoli. The 25-year-old has become manager Phil Parkinson's preferred choice at left wing-back when available, though he's currently sidelined with a calf problem that could temporarily reopen the door for McClean.
Looking beyond his football career, McClean has expressed serious interest in transitioning to celebrity boxing, revealing he's had "background chats" with organizations like Misfits Boxing. "I have a bigger passion now for boxing than I do for football," he admitted, though he remains contracted to Wrexham for now.
The potential January move would mark another significant chapter for a player who joined Wrexham from Wigan Athletic for £250,000 in August 2023 and quickly became a key figure, even captaining the side during their remarkable rise through the English football pyramid.
