Wrexham confirm club captain James McClean has left the Championship club to join Derry City.
Club captain James McClean has left Championship Wrexham to join Derry City.
McClean's Wrexham contract was not due to expire until the summer of 2027 but he has secured a return to hometown club Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
The 36-year-old former Republic of Ireland wideman made more than 100 appearances for Wrexham in all competitions, scoring eight goals.
"Jimmy had an opportunity to go back to Ireland and I had a good chat with him last week," said Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson.
"The time's right for him and his family. He always wanted to settle back in his hometown and he's got the opportunity to go and finish his career there.
"He's been a great servant for us and I've really enjoyed working with him.
"He's been an important player over the last few years with his drive, determination, his mentality and professionalism and we wish him and his family all the best."
- Wrexham's 'top' squad determined to deliver
- Wrexham's O'Connor fined for FA betting offences
- Resurgent Norwich end Wrexham's winning run
Prior to Wrexham's 2-1 loss to Norwich City, the Welsh side's CEO Mike Williamson confirmed McClean - who played a key role in two promotions in north Wales - was set to leave the club.
"We've been a club that's always been supportive of what players are looking to do and giving them the opportunities that they look for," Williamson told BBC Radio Wales Sport.
"That's come straight from Rob [Mac] and Ryan [Reynolds], where they've shown with some of the players who aren't part of the project and the journey as you go forward and move up, they've always done right by the players.
"Making sure when they have an opportunity to do something that they feel is important to them and special to them that we support them 100%.
"It's the same sort of situation with Jimmy."
Category: General Sports
