James McClean has joined hometown club Derry City on a multi–year deal, the Candystripes have announced. The Ireland centurion joins from Wrexham, where he helped the high-profile Welsh club win back-to-back promotions. The winger left Derry City for Sunderland in 2011 before playing for Wigan Athletic, West Brom and Stoke City. "It's a bit surreal that it's here and it's happened, but I can't wait to get started," McClean says. "I like challenges in my career and this is now probably one of the best challenges I get to take on.

Source: Irish Examiner January 18, 2026 02:55 UTC