James McClean's Family 'Excited' to Leave England After 15 Years of Poppy Controversy
James McClean and his family are experiencing a profound sense of relief and excitement as they prepare to leave England and return to Northern Ireland, according to his wife Erin. The move marks the end of a 15-year period during which the footballer faced regular controversy and abuse for his principled stance on Remembrance Day commemorations.
A Dream Return to Derry City
The 36-year-old midfielder has secured what he describes as a dream transfer from Wrexham back to his hometown club Derry City, where he first established his professional reputation. McClean has expressed his desire to conclude his playing career at the club that launched him into football, bringing his family full circle to their roots in Northern Ireland.
The Poppy Controversy That Defined His English Career
McClean's time in English football, which began with Sunderland in 2011, has been consistently overshadowed by his refusal to wear the poppy on Remembrance Sunday. His hometown of Derry, known to Republicans by that name, was the site of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre where British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians during a protest march, killing 14 people.
The footballer maintains that his objection stems from his belief that the poppy commemorates all British military activity rather than being exclusively dedicated to soldiers of the World Wars. This position has made him a target for sustained abuse throughout his career in England, including death threats and anti-Irish sentiment directed at both him and his family.
'Closing the Door' on Years of Abuse
Erin McClean revealed in an interview with BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme that the family feels a "huge sense of relief" about their impending departure from England. "We are closing the door on the abuse that has followed him throughout the English game," she stated, acknowledging that while recent years at Wrexham and Wigan had seen improved club support, returning home would bring the situation to "a different level" entirely.
The couple, who married in 2016 and have four children, have maintained their Cheshire residence during McClean's time with Wrexham. Erin described their emotions as "a mixture" of sadness at leaving friends built over 15 years and excitement about returning to their roots. "It's something we always wanted to do is settle back," she explained, noting the move had happened "a bit quicker than we anticipated."
Missing Family Milestones
One of the most significant aspects of their return, according to Erin, is the opportunity to participate fully in family life again. "You miss out on so much being away, weddings and family get-togethers and stuff," she reflected. "Knowing now going forward that we'll not have to miss out on anything like that, that's the stuff that means the world to us."
She described the emotional moment of seeing her husband in a Derry City kit again during his press conference, followed by a simple walk along the quay that filled her with joy. "I just couldn't stop smiling," she recalled. "I said: 'Oh my God, this is it, this is going to be our normal again doing things like this.'"
A Distinguished Career Amid Controversy
McClean has compiled an impressive footballing resume during his time in England, making nearly 500 appearances across league and cup competitions. He spent five seasons in the Premier League with Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion, and his recent stint with Wrexham proved particularly successful as he helped the club ascend from League Two to the Championship, where they now contend for a play-off position.
Despite these professional achievements, the poppy controversy has remained a constant presence. McClean has previously revealed that the issue first emerged during his time at Sunderland, when the club released a statement acknowledging his choice not to wear the emblem. This triggered a public outcry that escalated to serious threats against his safety.
Death Threats and Security Concerns
In a candid interview on Living with Lucy in Ireland, McClean detailed the extreme reactions to his stance. "I was getting death threats, people were saying I should be shot," he revealed. "I was getting bullets in the post, bullets sent to the club." On one particularly frightening occasion, his club received specific threats that he would be shot during a televised match, necessitating security outside his hotel room door throughout the night.
Erin, watching from Newcastle at the time, experienced genuine terror. "She's panicking, she's thinking 'he's going to be shot on TV'," McClean recounted. "Thankfully nothing happened or nothing ever has happened." He also disclosed disturbing details about his childhood during the Troubles, including making and throwing petrol bombs from as young as 11 years old amid constant riots in his Creggan estate neighborhood.
Staying True to Principles
McClean remains steadfast in his position, emphasizing that six or seven people from his estate died on Bloody Sunday. "For me to wear a poppy in support of the people who carried out those atrocities... It frustrates me how people can't see that," he stated. "How is it even a debate of why I should wear the poppy."
He acknowledges he could have "easily just said, 'I'll wear a poppy,' and sold myself out" but chose instead to "stay true to myself." While clubs typically sell Remembrance Day shirts with proceeds going to the Royal British Legion, McClean has sold his shirts without the poppy emblem and donated the money to a children's charity in Ireland.
The footballer insists his stance is neither anti-British nor anti-religious, and he has stated he would wear a poppy if it were confined exclusively to commemorating those who served in World War I and World War II. As he and his family now prepare for their new chapter in Northern Ireland, they look forward to leaving behind the controversies that have shadowed his distinguished English football career.
