Credit: @erinmcclean1 Instagram
For fifteen years, Erin McClean stood steady through noise, abuse, and distance.
Her calm in the face of pressure defined more than her husband’s career; it defined what resilience looks like when the world is watching. As the McCleans close one chapter and begin another, her strength tells the truest story of all.
When James McClean’s move from Wrexham to Derry City was confirmed, the spotlight naturally fell on the football details. There were questions about his appearances, goals, and captaincy, but the heart of the story was told by Erin. Her emotional statement captured what the move really meant — closure, pride, and homecoming.
She wrote to her followers, thanking them for their messages and reminding them that “you all know how much home means to me.” That honesty set the tone for what followed, a reflection on fifteen years that shaped a family and a football career.
Erin’s Emotional Message
In a post to her Instagram followers, Erin wrote:
Well… where to even begin. The amount of messages from you all saying ‘so happy you’re getting home’ 🥹☘️ you all know how much home means to me- so thank you.
15 years since the last time he donned the candy stripes and today watching you pull that jersey back on was something so special. His beloved DCFC, never missed a game on a Friday night on his laptop.
He’s achieved so so much, playing in the premier league, over 700 career appearances, 103 caps for his country, 6 club moves, lots of house moves, 1 wedding (thank god 🤣), 4 amazing babies, meeting the most amazing people, and meeting the not so amazing arsewipes along the way 🤣. It’s been an adventure. But I know just what this one means to you. Keeping yourself so fit and well conditioned for such a long time. And your dream of wanting to finish your career at Derry has now come true. I couldn’t be more proud of you 🫶🏼 I love you and I love us.
Now lets go home❤️
Strength in Silence and Consistency
Through those years in England, the McCleans faced scrutiny and abuse that would have tested any family. Erin spoke before about how it made them stronger and how she looked back on the time as an “amazing” chapter source. Her new message built on that same resilience, not bitterness.
“Fifteen years since the last time he donned the candy stripes and today watching you pull that jersey back on was something so special,” she wrote. “His beloved DCFC, never missed a game on a Friday night on his laptop.”
Her words reminded supporters of what drives loyalty and effort in football. Beyond the pitch, she recognised the work that kept him performing at a high level year after year.
“He’s achieved so, so much — playing in the Premier League, over 700 career appearances, 103 caps for his country,” she said. “Keeping yourself so fit and well conditioned for such a long time, your dream of wanting to finish your career at Derry has now come true. I couldn’t be more proud of you.”
Erin’s ability to reflect with humour and affection also stood out. She added that their journey included “lots of house moves, one wedding (thank God), four amazing babies, meeting the most amazing people, and the not so amazing arsewipes along the way.” It was a message of honesty, family, and faith through every chapter.
Family First, Always
That sense of loyalty runs through everything Erin says. Her earlier interviews showed how much she values family stability and her daughter Willow-Ivy’s needs source. She has often said that challenges only brought the family closer source.
“The world can be quite cruel,” she once said. “But I wouldn’t have changed this experience for the world because it’s made us, as a family; we just need to stick together.”
That spirit was present again in her farewell to Wrexham and celebration of Derry. Erin finished her statement with a line that captured both pride and peace.
“I love you and I love us,” she wrote. “Now let’s go home.”
As Derry prepares for James McClean’s return, Erin’s words remind supporters what strength really looks like. It is found not in defiance or noise, but in loyalty, honesty, and love — the qualities that endure when everything else moves on.
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