James McClean takes part in Derry City open training session as future at club remains uncertain

Michael Bolton

James McClean took part in an open training session at Derry City on Tuesday following efforts by the club to terminate his contract.

The Irish Times understands that Derry City sought to terminate McClean’s contract this week, claiming he has been incapacitated by a hip injury.

McClean, who turned 37 in April, said earlier this year that he had received medical advice to retire from football because of a persistent hip injury.

A week later, he shared a positive update following an appointment with a specialist, in which he was given an injection that allowed him to continue playing.

This episode is the latest chapter in a turbulent return to his hometown club.

Derry are currently in sixth, having won only seven games so far, and are closer to the relegation play-off spot than the European spots.

They sacked manager Tiernan Lynch last week, with the recently hired director of football Mark Connolly stepping in as interim manager.

McClean complained about broken promises during a punditry appearance on RTÉ during the World Cup, and following Derry’s Conference League qualifier exit to Rijeka last month, McClean posted criticism of Tiernan Lynch online.

“You watch the games, the lads aren’t losing these games based on lack of effort,” said McClean. “So clearly there is an issue somewhere.”

When McClean was left out of the squad for last Friday’s league victory over Sligo Rovers, he posted an Instagram photo of a concurrent TV broadcast of his former club, Wrexham.

Derry face UCD in the third round of the FAI Cup on Friday, a game for which McClean says he is available.