James McClean

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

For people of a similar name, see James McLean.

James McClean
McClean with the Republic of Ireland in 2013
Personal information
Full name James Joseph McClean[1]
Date of birth (1989-04-22) 22 April 1989 (age 34)[2]
Place of birth Derry, Northern Ireland
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[3][4]
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Wrexham
Number 23
Youth career
Trojans
Institute
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2008 Institute 1 (0)
2008–2011 Derry City 79 (16)
2011–2013 Sunderland 59 (7)
2013–2015 Wigan Athletic 73 (9)
2015–2018 West Bromwich Albion 99 (4)
2018–2021 Stoke City 102 (12)
2021–2023 Wigan Athletic 79 (12)
2023– Wrexham 25 (2)
International career‡
2008–2009 Northern Ireland U21 7 (0)
2012–2023 Republic of Ireland 103 (11)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:12, 20 February 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:26, 21 November 2023 (UTC)

James Joseph McClean (/məˈkleɪn/ mə-KLAYN; born 22 April 1989) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a winger for EFL League Two club Wrexham.

McClean played with Trojans, Institute, his hometown club Derry City, and Sunderland before moving to Wigan Athletic in August 2013. He spent two seasons at Wigan, claiming their player of the year award in the latter, and then returned to the Premier League by joining West Bromwich Albion in June 2015. McClean spent three season with the Baggies before joining Stoke City in July 2018. McClean re-signed for Wigan Athletic in August 2021.

McClean was born and brought up in Derry and played for the Northern Ireland national under-21 football team, but declined a call-up to the senior squad because he wanted to play for the Republic of Ireland. In February 2012, McClean received international clearance from FIFA which made him eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland, making his debut against the Czech Republic in the same month. He has since represented the nation at 2012 and 2016 Euro Championships.

Early life

McClean grew up in the Creggan area of Derry and attended Holy Family Primary School and St. Peter's High School.[5][6] He played Gaelic football with Seán Dolans GAC before concentrating on association football.[7]

Club career

Institute

McClean began his career at Institute, making one first team appearance as a substitute against Glentoran in the 2007–08 Irish Premier League season. Institute decided not to renew his contract in the summer of 2008.[8]

Derry City

McClean made his Derry City first team debut on 1 July 2008 in a League Cup tie at home to Bohemians, opening the scoring in a 4–1 win.[9] He made his League of Ireland debut for Derry City as a substitute for Kevin McHugh playing against Cork City at Turner's Cross on 8 September 2008.[10] In his first full season with Derry in the 2009 season the club suffered serious financial problems and the players went weeks without payment. During this period in November 2009 McClean held talks with English League Two side Lincoln City, but this did not result in a contract, after McClean felt homesick.[11][12] Derry finished the season in 4th place but were expelled by the FAI due to breaking regulations by holding secondary, unofficial contracts with players.[13] They were invited to join the League of Ireland First Division.[14]

In December 2009 McClean was one of the first four players to sign for the new Derry City, along with David McDaid, and the McEleney brothers — Shane and Patrick.[15] McClean scored eight goals in 33 appearances in the 2010 season helping Derry return to the top-flight.[16] McClean began to attract more interest from English clubs in the 2011 season with Peterborough United making some unsuccessful bids.[17] He also attracted interest from Everton.[18] In August 2011 Derry accepted an offer from Sunderland for McClean.[19]

Sunderland

McClean warming up for Sunderland in August 2012.

McClean joined Sunderland on 9 August 2011 for a fee of £350,000, signing a three-year contract.[20] Upon signing McClean, manager Steve Bruce indicated that he was "one for the future",[21] and also hinted that he would be in the reserve team until Christmas.[22] His form in the development squad was capped by a reserve-debut goal in a 4–3 win over Tyne–Wear derby rivals Newcastle United, earning him a place on the Sunderland bench.[23] Despite never making an appearance under Bruce, he made his debut for the first team in Martin O'Neill's first game in charge on 11 December, a 2–1 win over Blackburn Rovers and was credited for the comeback which saw his side overturn a 1–0 deficit, after coming on as a substitute for Jack Colback in the second half.[24]

McClean made his first start for Sunderland in their 1–0 victory over Manchester City on 1 January 2012, and scored his first senior goal for the Black Cats in a 4–1 win against Wigan Athletic two days later;[25] on 8 January, he scored and assisted Sebastian Larsson in a 2–0 win at Peterborough United in the third round of the FA Cup.[26] McClean provided the assist for Stéphane Sessègnon's opening goal in Sunderland's 2–0 victory over Swansea City on 21 January, and got another assist in the equalising goal for Fraizer Campbell in the next round of the cup against Middlesbrough on 29 January. Ahead of the replay for that fixture, Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray used McClean as an example for young players to follow.[27] McClean turned provider again in Sunderland's 3–0 victory over Norwich City, assisting Sessègnon's goal, then scored the only goal in a win over Stoke City on 4 February in snowy conditions at the Britannia Stadium.[28] A week later, he opened the scoring in Sunderland's 2–1 home loss to Arsenal after Per Mertesacker injured himself.[29] On 23 March, Sunderland announced that McClean had signed a new contract intended to force him to stay at the club until the summer of 2015.[30] A day later, he helped them to a 3–1 victory over relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers by assisting the opening goal for Nicklas Bendtner and later scoring by himself. McClean won Sunderland's Young Player of the Year Award, at the end of the 2011–12 season.[31]

In August 2012, McClean scored his first two goals of the 2012–13 in the second round of the League Cup against Morecambe. He also scored in the third round as well, scoring in the 82nd minute away at Milton Keynes Dons. He scored his first Premier League goal of the season in a 3–0 home defeat of Reading on 11 December, exactly twelve months to the day that he made his Sunderland debut.[32] McClean fell out of favour with the Sunderland supporters after he refused to wear a poppy in the run-up to Remembrance Day, which led to his departure in August 2013. Speaking in 2015 McClean says he was 'hung out to dry' by Sunderland.[33]

Wigan Athletic

McClean signed for Championship club Wigan Athletic on a three-year contract on 8 August 2013.[34][35] Three days later he made his debut in the 2013 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium, starting in a 2–0 loss to Manchester United.[36]

He scored his first goal for Wigan on 26 January 2014 in the FA Cup fourth round, a winner in a 2–1 victory against Crystal Palace.[37] He had scored on 18 December against Sheffield Wednesday, but that match was abandoned in heavy rain and his goal was struck from the records; it was the only goal of the game by the 59th minute in which it was called off.[38] McClean played in 49 matches in 2013–14, scoring four goals as Wigan reached the Championship play-offs where they lost 2–1 to Queens Park Rangers.[39] The 2014–15 was a poor one for the Latics as they finished in 23rd place were relegated to League One.[40]

West Bromwich Albion

McClean (left) playing for West Bromwich Albion, 2017

Turning down a move to New York Red Bulls,[41] on 22 June 2015 McClean signed for West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal for a fee believed to be around £1.5 million.[42] In July, on the team's tour of the United States, he turned his back on the Flag of England while the British national anthem "God Save the Queen" was played before a match against the Charleston Battery, which resulted in a verbal warning from manager Tony Pulis.[43]

He made his competitive debut on 10 August as West Brom began the season against Manchester City at The Hawthorns.[44] Booed by his team's own fans whenever he touched the ball, he was replaced by Claudio Yacob at half-time, as his team lost 3–0.[45] On 17 October, after a 1–0 home win over his former team Sunderland, he taunted the visiting fans, leading to confrontations between both sets of players; he was given a warning by the FA over his conduct.[46] He scored his first goal for the Baggies on 5 December, a 39th-minute headed equaliser in a 1–1 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur.[47] Two weeks later, he was sent off in the first half of a 2–1 home loss to Bournemouth for a challenge on Adam Smith; teammate Salomón Rondón was also dismissed in added time.[48] He played in 42 matches in 2015–16 as West Brom finished in 14th position.[49]

He scored his first goal of the 2016–17 season in the EFL Cup against Northampton Town.[50] His first league goal of the season came in a 4–2 win over West Ham United on 17 September 2016.[51] He was given an improved contract extension until 2019, with the option of a further year. Tony Pulis said: "James thoroughly deserves this and has worked hard to achieve it."[52] He angered Watford captain Troy Deeney with his tackling in a 3–1 win on 3 December 2016.[53] He played 42 times as the Baggies finished in 10th.[54] The 2017–18 season was an unsettled one for West Brom as they went through four managers Tony Pulis, Gary Megson, Alan Pardew and Darren Moore.[55] Albion were rock bottom of the Premier League nearly all season and despite a late resurgence they were relegated to the Championship.[56]

Stoke City

McClean joined Stoke City in July 2018 on a four-year contract for a fee of £5 million.[57] McClean made his Stoke debut on 5 August 2018 against Leeds United.[58] He scored his first goal for Stoke on 25 August 2018 in a 2–0 win against Hull City.[59] In September 2018 McClean suffered a broken arm whilst on international duty with Ireland.[60] McClean played 45 times in 2018–19, scoring three goals as Stoke finished in 16th place.[61] McClean began the 2019–20 season playing as a makeshift left-back as Nathan Jones attempted to implement his preferred diamond formation.[62] It did not work as Stoke had a poor start to the season, failing to win any of their first ten matches and Jones was replaced by Michael O'Neill in November who played McClean in his natural left-wing position.[63] McClean became a key player under O'Neill and his form helped the team pick up results to move out of the relegation zone.[64] He ended the campaign with seven goals from 37 appearances as Stoke avoided relegation and finished in 15th position.[65] Following the end of the season he was voted Player of the Year by supporters.[66]

In the 2020–21 season, McClean made 29 appearances, scoring two goals as Stoke finished in 14th position.[67][68] During the season McClean had disciplinary problems as he breached COVID-19 protocols by going to a gym during lockdown.[69] He also angered O'Neill in March 2021 after he played for Ireland despite recovering from a foot injury.[70]

Return to Wigan Athletic

On 17 August 2021 McClean re-joined Wigan Athletic on a one-year contract.[71] McClean claimed he turned down Bolton Wanderers in order to sign for Wigan. However, Bolton Manager Ian Evatt stated this was false; Bolton had no interest in signing McClean, and McClean's agent had rung daily for three weeks begging Bolton to give him a contract.[72] On 16 October he scored twice in a 4–0 win against Bolton with the match nearly being abandoned after he scored when Bolton fans threw bottles and other objects at him, followed by Wigan fans ripping down advertising boards, the match stopping for more than 10 minutes as police dealt with the situation.[73][74] Having been promoted as Champions,[75] McClean signed a new one-year contract extension at the end of the 2021–22 season.[76] His first goal of the new season came on 6 August 2022, in a 1–1 draw away to Norwich City at Carrow Road.[77]

Wrexham

On 4 August 2023, it was announced that McClean had signed for Wrexham for an undisclosed fee.[78]

International career

McClean had represented Northern Ireland at a number of junior levels, but ultimately opted to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior level.[79][80][81]

Northern Ireland

McClean was part of the Northern Ireland team that won the 2008 Milk Cup and scored in the opening game in a 3–1 win against the US.[82] He has also represented Northern Ireland seven times at Under 21 level. On 26 July 2011 he was called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the match against the Faroe Islands on 10 August 2011.[83] McClean decided to wait for selection by the Republic of Ireland and therefore pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad.[84] In January 2012 he again confirmed he would not be reconsidering his decision although Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill had been in contact with him.[85]

Republic of Ireland

McClean warming up for the Republic of Ireland, September 2013.

McClean's success in the Premier League saw increasing calls for Giovanni Trapattoni to select him for the Republic of Ireland, with Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill saying after McClean's winning goal at Stoke: "I think he's more than capable of going to Euro 2012 ... Hopefully he's making such an impact he'll be watched by someone in the Ireland camp, even if it's not Trapattoni. They couldn't fail to be impressed."[86] McClean received international clearance to play for the Republic of Ireland on 9 February.[87] However, he was not included in the squad for the match against the Czech Republic which was announced the next day,[88] though he was added to the squad on 20 February after success against Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round proper.[89][90]

McClean made his international debut on 29 February 2012, coming on in the 78th minute for Aiden McGeady in a friendly against the Czech Republic at the Aviva Stadium.[91] On 7 May 2012, manager Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed that McClean was part of the Irish UEFA Euro 2012 squad.[92][93] He then received sectarian abuse and death threats via Twitter.[94] McClean was quoted saying, "You are looking around as a Catholic and seeing all the Union Jacks and listening to the fans' songs and I just didn't feel at home at all."[94] On 26 May 2012, McClean made his first senior international start against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final home friendly ahead of UEFA Euro 2012, playing on the left flank.[95]

On 10 June 2012, the date of Ireland's first UEFA Euro 2012 match in Poland, McClean was left on the bench; the game ended in a 3–1 defeat to Croatia.[96] Two days before Ireland's next match on 14 June 2012, Ireland manager Trapattoni hinted that McClean would not feature in that game against world champions Spain. After much public urging for Trapattoni to make use of McClean's talents to recover Ireland's progress in the European Championship, Trapattoni claimed that "His time would come in the future".[96] However, on 14 June 2012, McClean appeared as a substitute against Spain, coming on in the 76th minute in Gdańsk, Poland.[97]

On 7 September 2012, after being left on the bench during Ireland's 2–1 victory over Kazakhstan in a World Cup 2014 qualifier, McClean used Twitter to criticise Trapattoni.[98] The tweet, and McClean's account, were subsequently deleted and the winger was forced to apologise to teammates.[99]

On 11 June 2014, McClean scored his first international goal in the 5–1 defeat by Portugal in the MetLife Stadium during Ireland's US tour.[100] On 11 October McClean made his first appearance of the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign against Gibraltar, scoring a brace in a 7–0 win in the Aviva Stadium.[101]

On 29 March 2016, he scored his first ever professional penalty, helping Ireland to a 2–2 draw in a friendly against Slovakia.[102] On 9 October 2017, he scored the only goal of a win away to Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, putting the Irish into the playoffs.[103]

On 16 November 2020, the Football Association of Ireland announced that McClean had tested positive for COVID-19 after playing a full game against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.[104] The announcement also included Matt Doherty's positive result.[105]

On 14 June 2022, on his 94th cap for Ireland, he captained his country for the first time, in a 1–1 draw with Ukraine in a UEFA Nations League game at the LKS Stadium in Poland.[106]

On 19 June 2023, McClean became the 7th Irish player to make 100 international appearances in a 3–0 home win against Gibraltar in the Euro 2024 qualification.[107]

Retirement

In October 2023, McClean announced he would retire from the national team following the match against New Zealand on 21 November.[108]

Personal life

McClean began a relationship with Erin Connor in 2010. They married in 2016, in their hometown of Derry.[109] As of July 2022, they are expecting their fourth child.[110]

In 2013, McClean, of Sunderland at the time, attracted criticism when he wrote a tweet naming "The Broad Black Brimmer" as his favorite song by The Wolfe Tones. The song is associated with physical force Irish republicanism. As a result of his tweet, his club manager, Martin O'Neill, advised him to stop using Twitter.[111]

Since his move to English football in 2012, McClean and his family have received anti-Irish abuse, both in person and on social media.[112][113]

McClean's daughter Willow-Ivy has autism and McClean revealed in a social media post that he had also been diagnosed with autism.[114] He highlighted in his statement that he went public with the diagnosis in order to support his daughter during World Autism Acceptance Week.[115]

Remembrance poppy controversy

Since his Premier League breakthrough in 2012, McClean has been both condemned and supported for his ongoing refusal to wear football shirts bearing the symbol of the remembrance poppy when playing games on or around Remembrance Day (11 November) or Remembrance Sunday (the nearest Sunday), leading to his being named by the BBC in 2015 as the main example for one of the "Five reasons people don't wear poppies".[116] The special shirts, usually auctioned, are part of the annual Poppy Appeal organised by the Royal British Legion, with all Premier League club shirts displaying poppies in various forms since 2010.[117]

McClean states his objection derives from his affinity with Derry and to the role of the British Army in The Troubles. He grew up on the Creggan estate, where six of the men shot dead on Bloody Sunday in 1972 came from. He stated he would wear the poppy if it were restricted to honouring only soldiers who died in the World Wars, many of whom, particularly during World War I, were Irish, and has insisted his position is one of peace, and not any kind of wider political, religious or anti-British point.[118] The Legion opposes compelling people to wear the poppy, seeing such a stance as going against everything the poppy symbolises.[116]

For his stances, McClean has been booed by supporters of opposition clubs as well as some of his own club's supporters.[119] After the first refusal, McClean was subjected to sectarian abuse and loyalist threats,[120][121][122] including death threats.[123][124][125][126]

Various players, such as David Meyler and Jamie Devitt (both Irish citizens)[127] and managers (including Trapattoni), have voiced support for his decision as a personal issue of conscience.[128][129][130] The first instance occurred on 10 November 2012, with McClean wearing a plain Sunderland shirt during their match against Everton.[131] McClean donated his unadorned shirt, signed, to a charity auction in aid of a Dublin-based children's charity.[132][133]

Philanthropy

McClean has made a number of charitable donations. He made a significant donation to homeless people at the Wells and Foyle Valley House in Derry.[134] He donated £1,500 for a custom hand cycle bike to help a child who had Spina Bifida.[135] He made another significant donation to the Wells facility in the Bogside, for up to 24 men who have alcohol problems.[136] He paid £1,750 for a new mobile home after hearing about a pregnant homeless woman's struggles on social media.[137] He donated £1,000 to help pay for specialist proton therapy in Florida for a four-year-old child with cancer.[138] He donated €1,200 to help pay for the funeral of a two-year-old boy who was struck by a car.[139] In December 2016 he set up a new clothing line with proceeds going to help homeless residents of his native Derry.[140] He donated £500 to an online fund set up to support the family of a missing Derry man.[141]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 20 February 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Institute 2007–08[8] Irish Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 — 1 0
Derry City 2008[142] LOI Premier Division 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 1
2009[142] LOI Premier Division 27 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 30 1
2010[142] LOI First Division 30 8 2 0 1 0 — 33 8
2011[142] LOI Premier Division 21 7 1 0 1 1 — 23 8
Total 79 16 5 0 4 2 0 0 88 18
Sunderland 2011–12[143] Premier League 23 5 6 1 0 0 — 29 6
2012–13[144] Premier League 36 2 2 0 3 3 — 41 5
Total 59 7 8 1 3 3 — 70 11
Wigan Athletic 2013–14[145] Championship 37 3 5 1 0 0 7[c] 0 49 4
2014–15[146] Championship 36 6 1 0 0 0 — 37 6
Total 73 9 6 1 0 0 7 0 86 10
West Bromwich Albion 2015–16[49] Premier League 35 2 5 0 2 0 — 42 2
2016–17[54] Premier League 34 1 1 0 1 1 — 36 2
2017–18[147] Premier League 30 1 2 0 2 0 — 34 1
Total 99 4 8 0 5 1 — 112 5
Stoke City 2018–19[61] Championship 42 3 2 0 1 0 — 45 3
2019–20[148] Championship 36 7 0 0 1 0 — 37 7
2020–21[67] Championship 24 2 1 0 4 0 — 29 2
Total 102 12 3 0 6 0 — 111 12
Wigan Athletic 2021–22[149] League One 33 9 2 0 1 0 1[d] 1 37 10
2022–23[150] Championship 46 3 2 0 0 0 — 48 3
Total 79 12 4 0 1 0 1 1 85 13
Wrexham 2023–24[151] League Two 25 2 3 0 1 0 2 1 31 3
Career total 517 62 35 2 20 6 10 2 584 72
  1. ^ Includes Irish Cup, FAI Cup, FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes Northern Ireland Football League Cup, League of Ireland Cup, EFL Cup
  3. ^ Five appearances in UEFA Europa League, one in FA Community Shield, one in Championship play-offs
  4. ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy

International

As of match played 21 November 2023[152]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Republic of Ireland 2012 6 0
2013 12 0
2014 9 4
2015 7 0
2016 13 4
2017 10 2
2018 6 0
2019 9 0
2020 5 0
2021 11 1
2022 8 0
2023 7 0
Total 103 11
Scores and results list Republic of Ireland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each McClean goal.
List of international goals scored by James McClean[153]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 10 June 2014 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, United States  Portugal 1–3 1–5 Friendly
2 11 October 2014 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  Gibraltar 4–0 7–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
3 6–0
4 18 November 2014 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  United States 3–1 4–1 Friendly
5 29 March 2016 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  Slovakia 2–1 2–2 Friendly
6 9 October 2016 Zimbru Stadium, Chișinău, Moldova  Moldova 2–1 3–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
7 3–1
8 12 November 2016 Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria  Austria 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
9 4 June 2017 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland  Uruguay 3–1 3–1 Friendly
10 9 October 2017 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales  Wales 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
11 30 March 2021 Nagyerdei Stadion, Debrecen, Hungary  Qatar 1–0 1–1 Friendly

Honours

Derry City

Wigan Athletic

Individual

See also

References

  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Stoke City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 67. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  2. ^ "Premier League Player Profile James McClean". Barclays Premier League. 2016. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  3. ^ Player Profiles. "West Bromwich Albion FC Player Profiles". Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  4. ^ "James McClean". Football Association of Ireland.
  5. ^ "Quinn praise for James McClean". Derry Journal. 9 December 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  6. ^ "Ireland star James McClean's dad says success is down to special Derry touch". The Irish News. 24 June 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  7. ^ "Ireland star McClean sponsors GAA kit for former club". Irish News. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  8. ^ a b "James McClean: The Republic of Ireland's Wildcard". Back Page Football. 25 January 2012.
  9. ^ "Derry City 4-1 Bohemians". 1 July 2008 – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  10. ^ Smith, Alan. "Cork City 1 – 1 Derry City". www.extratime.ie. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  11. ^ "Lincoln chasing Derry's McClean". BBC Sport. 26 November 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  12. ^ "Lincoln abandon move for McClean". BBC Sport. 26 November 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  13. ^ "Derry axed from League of Ireland". BBC Sport. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  14. ^ "Derry City invited back to league". BBC News. 12 November 2009. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  15. ^ "Derry sign up first four players". BBC Sport. BBC. 10 December 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  16. ^ "Derry City promoted to Premier Division". RTÉ. 30 October 2010. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  17. ^ "Peterborough make further bid for Derry's James McClean". BBC Sport. 14 July 2011. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  18. ^ Nick Hilton (6 July 2011). "Everton FC eyeing move for talented young Irishman James McClean". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  19. ^ "Derry winger James McClean set for Sunderland move". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  20. ^ "Derry winger James McClean completes Sunderland move". BBC Sport. BBC. 9 August 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  21. ^ Leslie, Matthew (10 August 2011). "Steve Bruce: James McClean is worth a risk". Evening Chronicle. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  22. ^ Leslie, Matthew (13 August 2011). "James McClean could rise like Meyler – Bruce". Evening Chronicle. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  23. ^ King, Dan (7 September 2011). "Sunderland Res 4 Newcastle Res 3". Newcastle United Football Club. Archived from the original on 4 January 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  24. ^ McNulty, Phil (11 December 2011). "Sunderland 2–1 Blackburn". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  25. ^ "Goal capped off Sunderland win at Wigan – James McClean (Interview)". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  26. ^ Sheringham, Sam (8 January 2012). "Peterborough 0 – 2 Sunderland". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
  27. ^ "Tony Mowbray urges Middlesbrough players to be like James McClean". The Guardian. London. 7 February 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  28. ^ Osborne, Chris. "Stoke 0 – 1 Sunderland". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  29. ^ Sinnott, John. "Sunderland 1 -2 Arsenal". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
  30. ^ "Irish winger signs contract until summer 2015". RTÉ Sport. RTÉ. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  31. ^ "James McClean can dazzle Euros says Colback". Evening Chronicle. Trinity Mirror. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  32. ^ "Sunderland 3–0 Reading". ESPNFC. 11 December 2012.
  33. ^ "James McClean says he was 'hung out to dry' by Sunderland over poppy stance". Joe. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  34. ^ "James McClean: Sunderland winger joins Wigan Athletic". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  35. ^ "McCLEAN BECOMES TENTH SUMMER SIGNING". Wigan Athletic FC. 8 August 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  36. ^ Rostance, Tom (11 August 2013). "Man Utd 2–0 Wigan". BBC Sport.
  37. ^ "FA Cup: James McClean's winner sees Wigan through after 2–1 win over Crystal Palace". Sky Sports. 26 January 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  38. ^ McMath, James (18 December 2013). "Sheffield Wednesday 0 Wigan Athletic 1 (abandoned after 59 minutes, bad weather): match report". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  39. ^ "QPR 2–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  40. ^ Wilson, Paul (29 April 2015). "Wigan's fall from FA Cup winners to League One: where did it all go wrong?". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  41. ^ Jarlath Regan (17 June 2017). "James McClean". An Irishman Abroad (Podcast) (196 ed.). SoundCloud. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  42. ^ "Albion capture James McClean". West Bromwich Albion F.C. 22 June 2015.
  43. ^ "West Brom boss Tony Pulis 'warned James McClean over his national anthem snub'". Belfast Telegraph. 21 July 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  44. ^ "West Brom 0-3 Man City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  45. ^ "James McClean: Sky Sports commentator Alan Parry accused of 'trolling' West Brom's new signing". Belfast Telegraph. 10 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  46. ^ "James McClean given FA warning over celebration". Sky Sports. 19 October 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  47. ^ Winton, Richard (5 December 2015). "West Brom 1–1 Tottenham". Retrieved 5 December 2015.
  48. ^ Chowdhury, Saj (19 December 2015). "West Brom 1–2 Bournemouth". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
  49. ^ a b "Games played by James McClean in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  50. ^ "Northampton 2–2 West Brom (4–3 pens)". BBC Sport. 23 August 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  51. ^ "West Bromwich Albion 4–2 West Ham United". BBC Sport. 17 September 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  52. ^ "James McClean signs new contract with West Bromwich Albion". Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  53. ^ "West Brom 3-1 Watford". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  54. ^ a b "Games played by James McClean in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  55. ^ "West Brom 'pulling in same direction' for Darren Moore - James McClean". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  56. ^ "Crystal Palace 2–0 West Brom". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  57. ^ "Irish winger is fourth summer signing". Stoke City. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  58. ^ "Leeds 3-1 Stoke". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  59. ^ "Stoke 2-0 Hull City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  60. ^ "James McClean likely to be out for weeks after breaking arm". Stoke Sentinel. 5 September 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  61. ^ a b "Games played by James McClean in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  62. ^ Smith, Peter (4 August 2019). "Three top priorities for Nathan Jones and Stoke City to get right immediately". Stokeontrentlive. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  63. ^ "Michael O'Neill's verdict on what it's like to manage James McClean". Stoke Sentinel. 10 April 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  64. ^ "Bravery, form, that Glasgow Rangers advice and other reasons why James McClean has surged in popularity with Stoke City fans". Stoke Sentinel. 21 March 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  65. ^ "Nottingham Forest 1–4 Stoke City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  66. ^ "James McClean makes Stoke City vow after being named player of the year". Stoke Sentinel. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  67. ^ a b "Games played by James McClean in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  68. ^ "AFC Bournemouth 0–2 Stoke City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  69. ^ "Bad timing for James McClean after 'kamikaze' Instagram post". Stoke Sentinel. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  70. ^ "Michael O'Neill furious as 'injured' James McClean plays three times for Ireland". Stoke Sentinel. 31 March 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  71. ^ "JAMES MCCLEAN RETURNS TO WIGAN ATHLETIC". Wigan Athletic. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  72. ^ "'We were never interested in James McClean' - Ian Evatt sets record straight". The Bolton News. 21 August 2021.
  73. ^ "Crowd launch missiles at James McClean after he bags brace in Wigan rout over local rivals Bolton". independent. 16 October 2021.
  74. ^ "Trouble overshadows Bolton-Wigan derby". BBC Sport.
  75. ^ "Shrewsbury Town 0–3 Wigan Athletic: Latics promoted as League One Champions". BBC Sport. 30 April 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  76. ^ "James McClean and Scott Smith extend Latics contracts". wiganathletic.com. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  77. ^ "James McClean on mark for Wigan but Max Aarons equaliser ensures share of spoils for Norwich at Carrow Road". independent. 6 August 2022.
  78. ^ "SIGNED Wrexham sign James McClean from Wigan Athletic". Wrexham AFC. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  79. ^ Heneghan, Conor (6 February 2012). "James McClean: Hey Colin Murray, don't call me Northern Irish". JOE.ie. Retrieved 6 February 2012. That sure told him and besides, it is not the first battle McClean has had to fight on Twitter of late, with the left winger having to remind everybody that although his name is spelt McClean, it is actually pronounced McClane – just think of John McClane from Die Hard and you'll get the picture.
  80. ^ McKinley, Stuart (10 February 2012). "'Colin Murray, get it right' – James McClean reveals why he turned down Northern Ireland". The Belfast Telegraph. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 10 February 2012. The strike was one of the highlights of Match of the Day 2's weekend round-up, with the Belfast-born presenter proudly reminding viewers that this was a fellow countryman scoring in the Premier League — not something that happens too often nowadays — as he described McClean as 'Northern Irish'. Not me was McClean's response as he replied via his Twitter account: "Colin Murray get it right will you, it's #irish"
  81. ^ Taylor, Louise (17 February 2012). "James McClean sweeps into Martin O'Neill's good books at Sunderland". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 17 February 2012. When Murray, who is from Belfast, commented that it was good to see a Northern Irishman scoring Sunderland's winner against Stoke, McClean's riposte, via Twitter, was unequivocal: "Colin Murray get it right will you, it's #irish."
  82. ^ "NI BOYS BEAT USA IN MILK CUP". Northern Irish Football Association. 29 July 2008. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  83. ^ "Northern Ireland recall Rangers' David Healy for Faroe Islands game". The Guardian. London. 26 July 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  84. ^ "James McClean switches from N Ireland to Republic". BBC Sport. BBC. 8 August 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
  85. ^ "Sunderland's James McClean rules out Northern Ireland rethink". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  86. ^ Edwards, Luke (3 February 2012). "Take winger James McClean to Euro 2012, says Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
  87. ^ "McClean gets green light for Republic". RTÉ Sport. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 9 February 2012. Archived from the original on 11 February 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  88. ^ "McClean is omitted from Republic squad". RTÉ Sport. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 10 February 2012. Archived from the original on 11 February 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  89. ^ "McClean & Green earn call-ups". Sky Sports.
  90. ^ Taylor, Louise (18 February 2012). "Sunderland 2–0 Arsenal". The Guardian. London.
  91. ^ Wright, Rob (29 February 2012). "As it happened: Rep Ireland 1–1 Czech Rep". RTÉ Sport. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  92. ^ "McClean in Euros squad; McCarthy withdraws due to family illness". Irish Examiner. Thomas Crosbie Holdings. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  93. ^ "McCarthy out as McClean makes the plane". RTÉ. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  94. ^ a b Armstrong, Jeremy (8 May 2012). "Death threats: Sunderland's McClean targeted on Twitter over Ireland call-up". MGN Limited. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  95. ^ "McClean included in Republic line-up". RTÉ. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
  96. ^ a b "Euro 2012: Trapattoni unlikely to use McClean against Spain". 10 June 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  97. ^ "Republic of Ireland Euro exit confirmed by Spain". RTÉ Sport. RTÉ. 14 June 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  98. ^ Delaney, Miguel (9 September 2012). "McClean tweet highlights simmering Irish tension". The Independent. London.
  99. ^ "Sorry McClean kept in Ireland squad". Yahoo Sport. 8 September 2012. Archived from the original on 5 January 2013.
  100. ^ "Brazil-bound Portugal expose tired Ireland in New Jersey". Irish Times. 11 June 2014.
  101. ^ "Republic of Ireland 7–0 Gibraltar". Goal.com. 11 October 2014.
  102. ^ McCarthy, Ger (29 March 2016). "James McClean: 'I've never had a penalty before so to hit my first one was a bit of pressure'". Irish Examiner Ltd. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  103. ^ Pritchard, Dafydd (9 October 2017). "Wales 0–1 Republic of Ireland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  104. ^ "James McClean contracts Covid-19". The Irish News. 16 November 2020. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  105. ^ "Coronavirus: Matt Doherty and James McClean test positive". Sky Sports. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  106. ^ Leahy, Ed (14 June 2022). "Hogan leads the line for Ireland against Ukraine" – via rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  107. ^ "Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar: James McClean wins 100th cap for Republic of Ireland". BBC news. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  108. ^ "James McClean set to retire from international football". Football Association of Ireland. 5 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  109. ^ "Meet Erin McClean - James' proud wife and mother of their three children". independent. 10 October 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  110. ^ "James McClean's wife Erin announces couple are expecting 'another little bundle of joy'". www.derryjournal.com. 3 July 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  111. ^ "James McClean closes Twitter account after Wolfe Tones song row". BBC News. 27 February 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  112. ^ "McClean opens up on abuse and sends message: 'Educate yourself on why you hate me'". talkSPORT. 17 February 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  113. ^ "FAI offers James McClean support over social media threats". www.fai.ie. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  114. ^ Galvin, T. J. (28 March 2023). "James McClean reveals he has been diagnosed with autism". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  115. ^ "Republic footballer McClean reveals he is autistic". BBC Sport.
  116. ^ a b "Five reasons people don't wear poppies". BBC News. 9 November 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  117. ^ Footballers wearing the poppy, theguardian.com; accessed 21 March 2020.
  118. ^ "Why James McClean doesn't wear poppy", independent.co.uk; accessed 21 March 2020.
  119. ^ "James McClean booed by Sunderland fans". The Northern Echo. Newsquest. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  120. ^ Henry McDonald (18 November 2012). "Threats to Sunderland footballer James McClean prompt police investigation". The Guardian.
  121. ^ "Poppy boycott was McClean's decision – Sunderland". Emirates 24/7. Dubai Media Incorporated. 11 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  122. ^ "James McClean closes Twitter account after sectarian abuse". BBC News. BBC. 9 May 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  123. ^ "James McClean: Police investigate reports of 'threats' against footballer". BBC News. BBC. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  124. ^ Hedges, John (16 November 2012). "Poppy row: Death threats to James McClean probed". www.anphoblacht.com. An Phoblacht. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  125. ^ Edwards, Luke (18 November 2012). "Sunderland winger James McClean sent death threats for refusing to wear a Remembrance Day Poppy". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  126. ^ Jonathan, Liew (19 November 2012). "Police to investigate after death threats to James McClean". Irish Independent. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  127. ^ "FA investigating McClean's response to Britain's poppy jingoism". Morning Star. 5 November 2018.
  128. ^ "David Meyler defends James McClean's poppy decision". TheScore.ie. Distilled Media. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  129. ^ Fitzmaurice, Aidan (12 November 2012). "McClean's 'poppy-less' shirt up for grabs". Evening Herald. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  130. ^ McDonnell, Daniel (12 November 2012). "Trapattoni supports James McClean's decision not to wear poppy in wake of social media outrage". Irish Independent. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  131. ^ "McClean criticised for not wearing poppy". u.tv. UTV Media. 11 November 2012. Archived from the original on 19 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  132. ^ Fitzmaurice, Aidan (12 November 2012). "McClean's 'poppy-less' shirt up for grabs". Evening Herald. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  133. ^ O'Reilly, Morgam (12 November 2012). "Want to own James McClean's poppy-less Sunderland jersey?". SportsNewsIreland.com. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  134. ^ "James McClean makes a 'significant' Christmas donation to help homeless in Derry". JOE.co.uk. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  135. ^ "James McClean reaching 'legend' status with yet another brilliant act of charity". SportsJOE.ie. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  136. ^ "Big-hearted James McClean delights residents and staff with a visit to the House in the Wells". Derry Now. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  137. ^ "James McClean Offers To Buy Caravan For Homeless Pregnant Woman". Extra.ie. 29 December 2016.
  138. ^ "James McClean an "absolute gentleman" following benevolent act for young Irish girl with rare cancer". SportsJOE.ie. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  139. ^ "James McClean donates €1,200 to help pay for the funeral of toddler who was hit by a car". independent. 19 July 2016.
  140. ^ O'Neill, Leona (18 December 2016). "James McClean's clothing line pays tribute to Buncrana Pier victims". The Irish News. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  141. ^ McKinney, Gareth McKeown and Seamus (7 February 2017). "James McClean joins efforts to support family of missing Derry man Jack Glenn". The Irish News. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  142. ^ a b c d "Player profile: James McClean". Football Association of Ireland. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  143. ^ "Games played by James McClean in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
  144. ^ "Games played by James McClean in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
  145. ^ "Games played by James McClean in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  146. ^ "Games played by James McClean in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  147. ^ "Games played by James McClean in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  148. ^ "Games played by James McClean in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  149. ^ "Games played by James McClean in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  150. ^ "Games played by James McClean in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  151. ^ "Republic of Ireland - J. McClean - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway".
  152. ^ "James McClean". EU Football. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  153. ^ "McClean, James". National Football Teams. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  154. ^ "Hoops and Sligo dominate PFAI nominations". RTÉ Sport. 21 October 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  155. ^ "Revealed: Here are the nominees for RTE Sports Personality of the Year". Irish Independent. 8 December 2017. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  156. ^ "Ireland star James McClean wins RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year". Irish Independent. 16 December 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  157. ^ "McClean lands top honour". Stoke City. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  158. ^ "Football Manager EFL Team of the Season line-ups announced". EFL. Retrieved 11 February 2024.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to James McClean.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=James_McClean&oldid=1213170026"