By:
Mark Hendry
James McClean sent a fitting farewell to away fans in England over the years as he returns to League of Ireland.
The Republic of Ireland attacker was in attendance as former club Wrexham drew 1-1 with Leicester City.
It was an entertaining evening of football but for McClean it was just about saying goodbye.
The 36-year-old was able to wave to home supporters and thank them for the three years.
McClean won two promotions with the Welsh Dragons in that time and had a lot to be thankful for.
As McClean returns to Derry City for his final chapter.
But it would hardly have been a fitting goodbye without one final moment of controversy.
The Irishman has courted just that in the 15 years he’s enjoyed south of the border.
James McClean swore at away fans in Wrexham farewell
So he made sure to make his moment count at the last when he encountered Foxes supporters.
As he applauded the home fans he arrived at the away section and, as expected, received some abuse from punters.
It seemed, though, as if the veteran knew it was coming and had a plan for the fans.
McClean stared at the section and stuck two middle fingers at those in attendance, but it was a symbolic gesture.
As he explained on social media with great pride.
Posting on his Instagram stories, he had a laugh with it.
“To all the away fans of the years, f*** you and good riddance,” he said.
“It’s been a laugh,” accompanied by another middle finger emoji and a love heart.
The clip went viral on X as well as other social media channels.
He followed it up with plenty of genuinely emotional posts for teammates and pals.
As well as co-owner of the club, Rob McElhenney, who was deemed a “top man” by the winger.
But it was the swearing which captured fans online and drummed up the majority of the chat.
It comes after Derry confirmed they had signed their former player for a second stint.
Of course it has been a long time coming for McClean to make a comeback to the Premier Division in his homeland.
McClean joins brother in Derry City transfer
But it has also been a long time coming for manager Tiernan Lynch who has been trying to land the experienced playmaker for as long as a full year.
McClean is back in the red and white with his old club.
And he will join up with brother Patrick for the first time in the same squad.
Lynch on finally signing James, said: “I’ve been going back and forth with James now for the past 12 months.
“James coming into our changing room will definitely bring this to another level.
“The standards, not just that he sets for himself but the standards that he will set for the players around him, will bring us to a whole new different level.
“I think the best teams in the world have been player-led and I think this will make a difference.”
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