Sport with John Duggan: James McClean leaves Derry City

Ciara Kelly (0:00)

The Hard Shoulder, with Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman.

SPEAKER_2 (0:04)

On Newstalk, with Ciara.

Shane Coleman (0:09)

John Duggan and McClean break at Derry City.

Ciara Kelly (0:12)

Good headline, good headline, Shane.

Shane Coleman (0:14)

Thank you.

Ciara Kelly (0:14)

So James McClean, they're moving on. All part, he's moving on because the 37-year-old's contract has been mutually terminated. So he's been at the loggerheads with the club, hasn't played since July, haven't been getting on, but the club has issued a statement today to say that both sides are satisfied with the outcome. They're pleased to move on constructively. One can imagine they've reached some type of agreement. The lawyers were involved and his contract was up until 2028

As part of the statement, James McClean has said he's pleased. We've reached a resolution to settle these matters. While my return to the club did not work out, as I'd hoped, Derry City FC will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to thank the fans for their support. I wish the squad, the management staff and the supporters the very best of the future. In particular, I want to wish the team the best of luck in the FAI Cup final against Waterford and the Derry Chairman, Philip O'Dahar. He's added in that statement. On behalf of everyone at Derry City, I want to thank James for his dedication to his hometown club. His achievements extend far beyond the brandy well. Amassing 103 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland is a remarkable milestone. We want to formally acknowledge his immense contribution to Irish football as a whole. We wish him the very best for the future. He's obviously released his autobiography, The Walls within the last week, which is an incredible read. The first thing I did, I went to the back of the book, and I just went to the index and then I read the book through the index.

Shane Coleman (1:31)

Right. He doesn't spare too many people.

Ciara Kelly (1:34)

No. I would say some people might be a little bit upset by the serenely honest nature of his book, but that's his writing.

Shane Coleman (1:42)

Was Roddy Collins proven right? I think he said that this would be the worst signing of the season.

I can't remember exactly what words he used, but I think it was along those lines, wasn't it? He wasn't wrong, was he?

Ciara Kelly (1:56)

I don't know.

Shane Coleman (1:58)

It hasn't worked out.

SPEAKER_2 (1:58)

No, it hasn't worked out.

Shane Coleman (1:59)

For either party.

Ciara Kelly (2:00)

I think it's hard for anybody contemplating retirement who thinks James McCain is now, when all you know is top level football throughout your career. So all sports people retire, require a new purpose in life and hopefully James will find his. Yeah.

SPEAKER_2 (2:13)

Jodie, Man U manager Michael Carrick and of course, Captain Bruno Fernandes, holding Clear The Air talks.

Ciara Kelly (2:19)

Now, I just might add that, look, James McCain could end up at another club, but we'll see what happens. We don't know if Bruno Fernandes apologized to Michael Carrick over his comments last week criticizing him after the Colmo defeat. Then he was dropped for the game against Bournemouth in the Premier League, a 3-0 humbling Manchester United received on Sunday. Michael Carrick, you would have thought, would have been sacked, but he hasn't been sacked yet. They're going to keep him on the club until at least after the game against Chelsea the weekend of the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.

Colby Mayne will return to full fitness. So maybe Bruno and Michael Carrick feel that they better put on a United front for as long as they're both together in the same dressing room.

SPEAKER_2 (2:57)

Do you expect to see a public apology happening?

Ciara Kelly (3:00)

I don't know. Maybe eventually. Look, he's got his period on the naughty step.

They lost the game 3-0. Maybe that was punishment enough. And he'll be back maybe playing football this weekend. What did you think of Harry Kane winning the Ballon d'Or by the way?

Shane Coleman (3:18)

Harry Kane's a great player, really brilliant player and a great lad and a really good professional. No, not for me though.

Ciara Kelly (3:26)

If he would have got it for you.

Shane Coleman (3:29)

Yeah, I think so.

Ciara Kelly (3:29)

Leave me in your mouth.

Shane Coleman (3:31)

I think, like Harry Kane played brilliantly, but did Bayern win the Champions League?

Ciara Kelly (3:36)

No.

Shane Coleman (3:36)

Did England win the World Cup?

Ciara Kelly (3:38)

No.

Shane Coleman (3:39)

I think you need to bring a team which is on to the extraordinary.