Credit - WrexhamAFC.co.uk
James McClean’s arrival at Wrexham in August 2023 raised eyebrows across English football. A player with over 100 international caps and Premier League experience dropping down to League Two seemed improbable, particularly for someone who had spent the previous decade competing in the Championship and top flight.
The Derry-born winger has since proven himself integral to the club’s historic rise, earning the captain’s armband and helping deliver consecutive promotions that have taken Wrexham into the Championship. His journey from the streets of Northern Ireland to leading one of football’s most talked-about projects reflects a career built on resilience, principle and achievement across the highest levels of British and Irish football.
At 36 years old, McClean remains a vital presence in Phil Parkinson’s squad. His experience spans the highest levels of English and Irish football, bringing a winning mentality forged across 15 years in professional football. The left-sided player has adapted his game from winger to wing-back, showcasing the versatility that has defined his longevity in the sport.
Early Life and Path to Professional Football
McClean was born on 22 April 1989 in Derry, Northern Ireland. He grew up in the Creggan estate, where football provided both escape and opportunity during his formative years. The working-class neighbourhood shaped his character and instilled values that would later define his approach to the game.
McClean attended Holy Family Primary School and St Peter’s High School in Derry. Before committing fully to association football, he played Gaelic football with local club Seán Dolans GAC, demonstrating his natural athletic ability across different codes. His early football education came through local clubs Trojans and Institute before he caught the attention of his hometown’s biggest club.
His professional career began in 2008 with Derry City in the League of Ireland. Making his first team debut in a League Cup tie against Bohemians in July 2008, McClean opened the scoring in a 4-1 victory. His League of Ireland debut came two months later as a substitute against Cork City.
The 2009 season proved challenging when Derry City suffered severe financial problems, with players going weeks without payment. During this period, McClean held talks with English League Two side Lincoln City, but homesickness prevented the move from materialising. Despite the club’s off-field troubles, which ultimately led to their expulsion from the top division, McClean remained committed.
In December 2009, McClean became one of the first four players to sign for the reformed Derry City as they prepared for life in the First Division. His loyalty paid dividends as he made 30 league appearances and scored eight goals during the 2010 season, helping Derry secure the First Division title and promotion back to the top flight.
The 2011 season brought McClean into sharper focus for English clubs. Peterborough United made unsuccessful bids, while Everton also expressed interest. In August 2011, Derry accepted an offer from Sunderland. McClean joined Sunderland in August 2011 for £350,000, signing a three-year contract with the Premier League club. Manager Steve Bruce indicated McClean was one for the future, initially planning to develop him in the reserve team.
However, McClean’s development accelerated rapidly. He made his first Premier League start on New Year’s Day 2012 in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, then scored his first senior goal two days later in a 4-1 win against Wigan Athletic. His breakthrough performances in early 2012 established him as a Premier League player and caught the attention of international selectors. McClean won Sunderland’s Young Player of the Year Award at the end of the 2011-12 season after an impressive debut campaign.
Embed from Getty ImagesMcClean made 87 appearances across all competitions for Sunderland, scoring 14 goals before moving to Wigan Athletic in August 2013 on a three-year contract. His Premier League foundation had been established, setting the stage for the next chapter of his career.
Club Career and Major Achievements
McClean’s move to Wigan Athletic came just months after the club had achieved their 2013 FA Cup victory over Manchester City, one of the competition’s most memorable upsets. Although he missed that triumph, he would go on to make his own mark at the DW Stadium.
His debut for Wigan came in the 2013 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium against Manchester United, starting in a 2-0 defeat. McClean played 49 matches in his first season as Wigan reached the Championship play-offs, though they fell short against Queens Park Rangers.
The 2014-15 campaign brought both disappointment and personal recognition. Wigan finished 23rd and were relegated to League One, but McClean’s consistent performances saw him named Player of the Year in 2015. His form attracted Premier League interest, and in June 2015 he returned to the top flight by signing for West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal for approximately £1.5 million.
McClean spent three seasons at West Bromwich Albion, making 126 appearances across all competitions. He played 42 times as the Baggies finished 10th in 2016-17, but the following season proved turbulent. West Brom went through four managers and spent most of the campaign at the bottom of the Premier League before eventual relegation to the Championship.
Across his Premier League career at Sunderland and West Brom, McClean made 158 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists. His defensive work rate was equally impressive, recording a tackle success rate of 74 per cent and making over 300 tackles during his top-flight career.
In July 2018, McClean joined Stoke City on a four-year contract for a fee of £5 million. He spent three seasons at the Bet365 Stadium, making over 100 appearances for the Potters and earning recognition as Stoke City Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season. His time at Stoke demonstrated his consistency and reliability in the Championship.
August 2021 brought a return to Wigan Athletic, where McClean signed a one-year contract. He played a crucial role as Wigan won the League One title in 2021-22, securing promotion back to the Championship as champions.
McClean was once again named Player of the Year at Wigan for the 2022-23 season, his second such honour at the club, before making the move to Wrexham in the summer of 2023.
Across his entire career, McClean has appeared in 594 competitive matches, scoring 61 goals and providing 67 assists. His 222 Championship appearances represent the most in any single competition throughout his career, demonstrating his longevity at English football’s second tier.
International Recognition and Ireland Career
McClean’s international career began with Northern Ireland at youth level. He represented Northern Ireland at under-21 level on seven occasions and was part of the squad that won the 2008 Milk Cup. In July 2011, he received his first call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for a match against the Faroe Islands.
However, McClean chose to wait for selection by the Republic of Ireland and withdrew from the Northern Ireland squad. After receiving international clearance from FIFA in February 2012, he made his Republic of Ireland debut on 29 February 2012, coming on as a substitute in a 1-1 friendly draw against the Czech Republic at the Aviva Stadium.
McClean’s impact was immediate. He was selected for the Republic of Ireland’s squad for UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, representing his country at a major tournament in his debut year. His performances established him as a regular fixture in the international setup.
Over the next 11 years, McClean made 103 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, scoring 11 goals. His international goals came against opponents including Portugal, Gibraltar (scoring twice), the United States, Slovakia, Moldova (twice), Austria, Uruguay, Wales and Qatar. He represented Ireland at UEFA Euro 2016 in France, his second European Championship appearance.
McClean scored crucial goals in qualification campaigns, including the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff during 2018 World Cup qualifying, a result that sent Ireland into the play-offs. His consistency and commitment made him a mainstay under managers Giovanni Trapattoni, Martin O’Neill, Mick McCarthy and Stephen Kenny.
On 14 June 2022, McClean captained the Republic of Ireland for the first time in a 1-1 draw with Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League. In June 2023, McClean became the seventh player to make 100 international appearances for Ireland when he captained the side in a 3-0 victory against Gibraltar in Euro 2024 qualifying at the Aviva Stadium.
McClean announced his retirement from international football in October 2023, with his final appearance coming on 21 November 2023 in a 1-1 friendly against New Zealand. He finished his international career as Ireland’s joint-fifth most-capped player alongside Steve Staunton, behind only Robbie Keane, Shay Given, John O’Shea and Kevin Kilbane.
Life at Wrexham and Current Role
When Wrexham secured McClean’s signature in August 2023, manager Phil Parkinson said:
“I’m really pleased with the signing of someone with the calibre of James.”
“As I said in the summer, it’s about being patient and getting the players in who can be strong additions to our squad moving forward.”
The move represented a significant coup for a League Two club, bringing in a player with Premier League experience and international pedigree.
On signing, the Irishman said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Wrexham. It’s a project that is very exciting and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.
“The Club has ambitions to go even further, and I’m a very ambitious person. I’m someone who is driven and I want to be a part of that journey.”
McClean’s first season at Wrexham saw him make 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals as the club secured promotion to League One with a second-place finish in League Two. His experience proved invaluable during the promotion run-in, providing leadership and quality in crucial moments.
His performances and influence led to him being named club captain for the 2024-25 season. The appointment recognised both his standing within the squad and his ability to lead by example. McClean has spoken about the honour of captaincy, describing it as a privilege and noting how the support of fans and staff at Wrexham has helped him produce his best football in the latter stages of his career.
Playing as a left wing-back in Parkinson’s system, McClean has adapted his game to suit Wrexham’s five-at-the-back formation. His link-up play with right wing-back Ryan Barnett on the opposite flank has become a feature of Wrexham’s attacking approach in League One.
During the 2024-25 League One campaign, McClean appeared in 42 matches, scoring four goals and providing six assists while playing 3,408 minutes. His creativity remained evident with an average of 1.33 key passes per game, while his defensive discipline saw him receive 11 yellow cards but no red cards throughout the season.
In April 2025, McClean captained the side to promotion to the Championship following a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at the Racecourse Ground. The result confirmed Wrexham as League One runners-up and secured their third consecutive promotion, completing an unprecedented rise from the National League to the Championship in three seasons.
McClean reached 100 appearances for Wrexham during the 2024-25 season, cementing his status as a key figure in the club’s modern history. In August 2025, he extended his contract until 2027, demonstrating his commitment to Wrexham’s Championship journey and beyond. The contract extension ensures his experience will continue to benefit the squad as they navigate second-tier football.
McClean married in 2016 to Erin Connor in their hometown of Derry. The couple have four children together: Allie May, James Jr, Willow Ivy, and their youngest daughter Mia Rose, who was born in February 2023. His family have supported him throughout his career, with Erin often speaking publicly about the pride they share in his achievements.
At 36, McClean continues to demonstrate the fitness and commitment that have characterised his career. He regularly performs well in pre-season fitness tests and maintains high standards of conditioning. His availability and durability remain assets, having rarely suffered significant injuries throughout his career.
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