McClean Returns to Derry...

James McClean, a former Republic of Ireland international, has made a return to Derry City on a multi-year contract after departing from Wrexham.

The 36-year-old winger previously played for Derry City from 2008 to 2011, where he celebrated winning the League of Ireland First Division title in 2010.

Following his time at Derry, McClean transferred to Sunderland in the Premier League and had further stints in the top tier with West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City, in addition to two separate tenures at Wigan Athletic, where he lifted the FA Cup in 2013 and the League One title in 2022.

McClean joined Wrexham while they were in League Two in 2023, contributing significantly to their back-to-back promotions, leading to their ascent into the Championship.

He was appointed captain of Wrexham in 2024 and made 108 appearances for the club, with 19 of those in all competitions this season.

With 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland, McClean joins his brother, Patrick McClean, at Brandywell, who made the move from Sligo Rovers earlier this week.

Excited to start this new chapter, McClean aims to help the club secure their first Premier Division title since 1997.

“It has been 15 years since I last played for Derry City, and while it’s a bit bittersweet concluding my 15 years in England, I’m thrilled to be home and ready to get started,” he said to BBC Sport NI.

“I began my career at Derry, and I’ve long known I wanted to finish it here—home is where the heart is.”

“I’m in top shape, just as eager and hungry as ever, and I believe I still have a lot to offer. When I left Wrexham, the only place I wanted to go was home.”

“For a club of this stature to have gone nearly 30 years without a league title is unacceptable, so I’m ready for the challenge, and I thrive on challenges.”

Analysis: McClean Returns to His Roots

McClean returns to where it all started, 14 years after leaving his hometown club for Sunderland. Now, back at Brandywell, he aims to lead Derry City to their first league title in 28 years.

Even at 36, McClean’s presence is likely to intimidate defenders in the League of Ireland, marking a strong statement of intent from the Candystripes as they prepare for the upcoming season.

He was one of the initial four players recruited during the club’s rebuilding phase that culminated in winning the First Division title in 2010.

The dynamic winger scored eight goals in 33 appearances as Derry returned to the league’s top tier.

McClean made his significant switch to Sunderland’s Premier League in 2011, waiting until 2012 for his breakthrough—a debut handed to him by Derry’s own Martin O’Neill in a surprise victory against Manchester City.

From there, McClean’s career flourished, leading to his inclusion in the Republic of Ireland squad for the 2012 European Championships.

He accumulated 103 caps for the Republic, featuring in Euro 2016 and scoring 16 goals before retiring from international football in November 2023.

His journey back to Brandywell has taken him through Wigan, West Brom, Stoke, and finally Wrexham, the club renowned for its high-profile owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

Derry fans will be hopeful that McClean brings a touch of Hollywood sparkle back with him, ensuring a fitting conclusion to a remarkable career.