James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

[Stuttgart88]

Well deserved. People like to sneer and make assumptions of people from underprivileged (post) industrial towns such Stoke.

But this says more of the judgemental sort who look down upon these people than those people themselves.

Anyway, well done, James.I tend to sneer at abusive English nationalist bigots regardless of where they're from. If that's what you mean by judgmental, than hands up, mea culpa etc.

[dynamo kerry]

He seems to be a lot less wasteful for Stoke and Michael O’Neill seems to have him flying.

I know him and Stephen Kenny think very highly of each other and James was delighted when SK got the job so it will be interesting to see if there is any change under new management with a new style, after all giving the ball away lot applies to the entire team for the last 10 years.

This is a really interesting topic. Is James' particular style a feature of the managers he has played under. Especially for ireland but also at club level. O'Neill at Sunderland and ireland. Pulis...

In a different system do we see a more composed, efficient player.. also much as I love his energy, I find his headless running around odd ... is it a feature of the team he is In not being well set up for success by the manager. Basically have we yet to see the real james McLean?

[DCWA]

This is a really interesting topic. Is James' particular style a feature of the managers he has played under. Especially for ireland but also at club level. O'Neill at Sunderland and ireland. Pulis...

In a different system do we see a more composed, efficient player.. also much as I love his energy, I find his headless running around odd ... is it a feature of the team he is In not being well set up for success by the manager. Basically have we yet to see the real james McLean?

Pondered that myself earlier I suppose the only real reference point would be to go the whole way back to his time at Derry which is a long time ago and at a much lower standard.

I honestly can’t remember if he was more composed or not.

If you look at the career paths of more composed players he played alongside you have Danny Lafferty (Burnley, Sheff Utd now Shamrock Rvs), Patrick McEleney (Dundalk) and Stephen McLaughlin (Nottingham Forest, Southend, now clueless)

He certainly out lasted and achieved those players so can he be said to have less technical ability? Is that fair comment that a guy who was a Premier League regular for a few years and a POTY in the most expensive Championship team ?

[dynamo kerry]

Pondered that myself earlier I suppose the only real reference point would be to go the whole way back to his time at Derry which is a long time ago and at a much lower standard.

I honestly can’t remember if he was more composed or not.

If you look at the career paths of more composed players he played alongside you have Danny Lafferty (Burnley, Sheff Utd now Shamrock Rvs), Patrick McEleney (Dundalk) and Stephen McLaughlin (Nottingham Forest, Southend, now clueless)

He certainly out lasted and achieved those players so can he be said to have less technical ability? Is that fair comment that a guy who was a Premier League regular for a few years and a POTY in the most expensive Championship team ?

My biggest issue with james is his supply to strikers in an irish shirt. I have a small concern with the balance of committed energy physically to committed thinking but that's ok. I just wonder what his upper level is with the right management. Not to say he hasnt been successful, he clearly has in a way that most footballers are not. Like you I was trying to think about derry city but I instead think his first few weeks at Sunderland were illustrative. He was very exciting and looked skillful. Perhaps reality struck home that to be competitive he needed to be pragmatic..
I will say, when I was in lansdowne for his debut, it was the loudest cherr I've heard for a debut in years...

[Stuttgart88]

I love James’ attitude on the pitch. From time to time his sheer hunger and the quality of his deliveries are crucial, Switzerland at home being a standout. But he’s too erratic and too one-dimensional for me, and I get so frustrated when he keeps his head down and fails to see easier options. His failure to play in Daryl Murphy for a tap in in Lyon was a classic example, but it’s a common thing with him.

Even that however can be forgiven if he brings balance to the team but in my opinion he does the exact opposite. Much was made of how Doherty and Coleman competed for the same space on the RHS in Gibraltar. On the other side I think Stevens and McClean compete for the same space too. Sometimes Stevens needs the left flank to be clear for him to run into. If you see how effective he is at Sheffield (albeit as a wing back) it’s when he interacts with others, one-twos, give-and-gos, to make space for his trademark low balls across the box. Stevens is a far more accurate crosser with a better range of passes and takes better decisions. McClean can’t interact with Stevens in this way and as a consequence I think he actively diminishes our left side. Stevens is always cautious of a cheap loss of possession ahead of him too.

I can see merit in McClean being the left forward in a 4-3-3, but for me that should be Connolly’s role. Connolly is at his most dangerous cutting in from the near left, which should be an ideal complement to what Stevens does best.

[irishfan86]

Excellent assessment Stutts and I agree completely. The only thing I will say about McClean is that whatever the critics will say about his technical ability/decision making (and I am one of them), at least he has always had the courage to try and make things happen in the final third.

I’m sure he will still have some sort of role to play, perhaps off the bench, but yes unless his game fundamentally changes under Kenny, I would be inclined to use him in a reduced capacity.

[dynamo kerry]

I love James’ attitude on the pitch. From time to time his sheer hunger and the quality of his deliveries are crucial, Switzerland at home being a standout. But he’s too erratic and too one-dimensional for me, and I get so frustrated when he keeps his head down and fails to see easier options. His failure to play in Daryl Murphy for a tap in in Lyon was a classic example, but it’s a common thing with him.

Even that however can be forgiven if he brings balance to the team but in my opinion he does the exact opposite. Much was made of how Doherty and Coleman competed for the same space on the RHS in Gibraltar. On the other side I think Stevens and McClean compete for the same space too. Sometimes Stevens needs the left flank to be clear for him to run into. If you see how effective he is at Sheffield (albeit as a wing back) it’s when he interacts with others, one-twos, give-and-gos, to make space for his trademark low balls across the box. Stevens is a far more accurate crosser with a better range of passes and takes better decisions. McClean can’t interact with Stevens in this way and as a consequence I think he actively diminishes our left side. Stevens is always cautious of a cheap loss of possession ahead of him too.

I can see merit in McClean being the left forward in a 4-3-3, but for me that should be Connolly’s role. Connolly is at his most dangerous cutting in from the near left, which should be an ideal complement to what Stevens does best.

Stevens is very very effective in tight spaces. I was sitting above his wing against denmark and saw him move the ball quickly around players. His brain is moving as fast as his feet. You could see he struggled with james in front of him. I'd be surprised in some ways if the james we have seen for the last 5 years starts for Kenny.. like I say , I'm curious if a different role can be found for him.

[passinginterest]

Very interesting to see what happens with Kenny. I remember McLean for Derry as a direct runner who used to deliver a nice low cross on a regular basis. He’s a decent striker of a ball and when he’s disciplined I think he can deliver. His work rate can never be faulted. He could be effective again under Kenny, I’m just not sure if he’ll fit in. Left of a front 3 might well be his best position but as had been said there’s Connolly and others competing there.

[geysir]

I haven't seen McClean as a legitimate starter in ages based on his overall technical ability but successive managers have had him as a constant. His top quality is that he never gives up, that was his central contribution to that late surge to salvage a draw v Swiss.

Our next game of note obviously is away to Slovakia in
in both games against Slovakia, Giggs conservatively set up Wales, let Slovakia have the ball in their own half but cut out the options for progress through midfield and pounced on any mistake for the fast break, not that we have to ape Wales but I seriously doubt Kenny will set up with 3 forwards, in a huge pressure game where we have to win.

[Bielsa´s irish]

McClean is in championship because of his mouth. The guy is a top player. Could play for Villa, Burnley, Newcastle etc but i think Fulham may purchase him

[Trequartista20]

Seems to have been shown the door by Michael O'Neill:

'Adam Davies and Joe Allen will meet up with the squad after leave following their Euros campaign with Wales but James McClean, Tom Ince, Lee Gregory and Sam Vokes have not travelled as they search for a new start away from the club.'

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/stoke-city-transfer-training-camp-5643014

[Olé Olé]

I'm sure another Championship side would snap him up but would be interesting to see if he fancied a change. I'm thinking Celtic, for obvious reasons, or the MLS because he was close to a move there before.

[Trequartista20]

He was last seen posting pictures of himself on social media wearing the full Germany kit prior to England's clash with the Germans in the last 16 of the Euros.

Unlike seemingly most people nowadays, I absolutely believe in his right to cause maximum offence online without the accompanying abuse, cancellation and death threats, if that's his thing. But it's not terribly helpful in terms of career progression and avoiding the online verbal attacks he so often complains about. And I can't blame his club manager if he's finally had enough of the distractions and negative publicity McClean's actions so often bring about.

For this reason amongst others I'd prefer to see him move away from England to pastures new as well. The MLS may indeed be a good move, if that option is still available to him.

[seanfhear]

He was last seen posting pictures of himself on social media wearing the full Germany kit prior to England's clash with the Germans in the last 16 of the Euros.

Unlike seemingly most people nowadays, I absolutely believe in his right to cause maximum offence online without the accompanying abuse, cancellation and death threats, if that's his thing. But it's not terribly helpful in terms of career progression and avoiding the online verbal attacks he so often complains about. And I can't blame his club manager if he's finally had enough of the distractions and negative publicity McClean's actions so often bring about.

For this reason amongst others I'd prefer to see him move away from England to pastures new as well. The MLS may indeed be a good move, if that option is still available to him.Perhaps he fancies a go in Germany ! !

[SkStu]

He was last seen posting pictures of himself on social media wearing the full Germany kit prior to England's clash with the Germans in the last 16 of the Euros.

Unlike seemingly most people nowadays, I absolutely believe in his right to cause maximum offence online without the accompanying abuse, cancellation and death threats, if that's his thing. But it's not terribly helpful in terms of career progression and avoiding the online verbal attacks he so often complains about. And I can't blame his club manager if he's finally had enough of the distractions and negative publicity McClean's actions so often bring about.

For this reason amongst others I'd prefer to see him move away from England to pastures new as well. The MLS may indeed be a good move, if that option is still available to him.

Him and his boy were wearing the full Italian kit yesterday on instagram too. I get what you're saying (might become untouchable, despite performances which have been decent for Stoke etc) but i also admire him for it. The English fans have proven themselves time and again to be septic (as a broad collective - including last night and the 12 stabbings and racist abuse of those poor young players) and if he wants to antagonize them into continuing to shame themselves based on some juvenile trolling, then i have no problem with it.

I dont think Celtic would be a healthy move for anyone involved. If he could get a move to MLS he'd be far enough away to cash in for a few years but i also wouldnt be surprised to see him move home sooner than later.

[Olé Olé]

The only thing about a move home would be that he might not keep his place in the Ireland squad. And we know that country comes before club for him. Would he move back to Derry and keep his place? I doubt it.

I would envisage that move taking place in a couple of years, particularly if he gets dropped at international level.

[Colbert Report]

MLS would be a great move for him but I can't see where he'd wind up if he wants a Designated Player contract.

[RiffRaff]

The problem with his latest activities is that it hasnt just offended the racists it will also have offended decent fans and people who work and play for his club. Been said many times but he doesn't make things easy for himself.

[jbyrne]

The problem with his latest activities is that it hasnt just offended the racists it will also have offended decent fans and people who work and play for his club. Been said many times but he doesn't make things easy for himself.

people are too easily offended so...... anyone offended by mcclean and his kids wearing the italy tops needs a reality check

[Diggs246]

people are too easily offended so...... anyone offended by mcclean and his kids wearing the italy tops needs a reality check

100% correct
Balaclava disgraceful
Italian jerseys is a bit of craic

[John83]

The problem with his latest activities is that it hasnt just offended the racists it will also have offended decent fans and people who work and play for his club. Been said many times but he doesn't make things easy for himself.
If I'd had death threats for declining to wear the poppy, I suspect I'd be disinclined to give a **** what any of those people think too. If he'd received more support in those instances from the same people wringing their hands over racial abuse being dished out to their own players after the penalty misses, he might not be quite so quick to wind them up.

[RiffRaff]

people are too easily offended so...... anyone offended by mcclean and his kids wearing the italy tops needs a reality check

Offended may not have been the right word but people I work with were gutted on monday morning. I'm not sure they would have seen the funny side if I wore an Italy top into work

[Diggs246]

Offended may not have been the right word but people I work with were gutted on monday morning. I'm not sure they would have seen the funny side if I wore an Italy top into work

You could have worn the Italian top and the balaclava and they wouldn't have known it was you and it would have been funny.

[Kingdom]

You could have worn the Italian top and the balaclava and they wouldn't have known it was you and it would have been funny.

It could have been deadly.

[Fixer82]

You could have worn the Italian top and the balaclava and they wouldn't have known it was you and it would have been funny.

I concur!

[sadloserkid]

Move to Wigan confirmed. As good a time as any to ease him out of contention surely. Though he might stick around with Stevens unavailable.

[John83]

Do we have the depth to cast him aside? A move to a League 1 side is pretty indicative that he's near the end of his usefulness though.

[irishfan86]

I suspect he'd still be in the Championship if he wasn't as much of a hassle off the field. That said he's a guy who relies largely on his engine and athleticism and presumably as those attributes decline as he ages, he will be even more ineffective.

The fact he's left footed and plays in areas where we are weaker (wide attacking roles) could allow him to play a little longer for us despite the drop to League 1.

[elatedscum]

Do we have the depth to cast him aside? A move to a League 1 side is pretty indicative that he's near the end of his usefulness though.

You’d imagine between Ogbene, McClean, Harness, Horgan and Curtis - we’ll have League 1 wingers in our squad...

Playing at a higher level, you’ve just got Connolly and Robinson who double as strikers along with the perpetually injured O’Dowda

[sadloserkid]

Do we have the depth to cast him aside? A move to a League 1 side is pretty indicative that he's near the end of his usefulness though.

Probably not. Which is fairly indicative of the low ebb we find ourselves at in general and not intended as a dig at McClean specifically.

[Trequartista20]

I thought McClean acquitted himself quite well at wingback in our previous game against Hungary.

I probably wouldn't start him against Portugal but he remains an experienced, influential and committed squad member who can do a job in a couple of positions. I wouldn't cast him aside just yet.

[SkStu]

Scored on his debut. Good for him. He should still be well able to tear it up at that level.

1429115936041275400

[Olé Olé]

Not sure if anyone saw in the news but apparently there is a video doing the rounds of Scotland and Villa's John McGinn receiving sectarian abuse. I believe the person called him a "fenian b******" amongst other things.

Chelsea are working to identify the person abusing McGinn and punish them: Chelsea working to identify fan responsible for sectarian abuse of John McGinn https://the42.ie/5548414

I post about it here because it's something McClean has encountered a lot. Hopefully a precedent can be set in terms of the punishment.

[samhaydenjr]

Two goals and an assist for McClean in Wigan's thumping of Bolton, so still life left in him: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58853258 - but is Germany 2024 too far away for him? He will be 35 by then, but knowing McClean, he would come out in a wheelchair for us, if given the chance

[pineapple stu]

Might be out for the season, including the June Nations League games (https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2022/0406/1290838-wigan-boss-outlines-better-news-on-mcclean-injury/). Seems the injury he picked up midweek isn't as bad as first feared though -


With James, it's probably better news than we thought. It was first reported that it was going to be 9-12 months, but it’s now going to be a number of weeks - which is more positive

[JR89]

Named in the team of the season.

[JR89]

McClean could make his return from injury in Wigan's final game of the league season. Took part in the team warm up before the Portsmouth game mid week and Richardson hasn't ruled him out as a possibility for Saturday.

[tetsujin1979]

Named in the starting XI
1520349821806256128

[Demesne Lad]

Went off injured, 68th minute :-(

[Trequartista20]

Signs a one-year contract to keep him at Wigan for another season.

In contrast to his time at other clubs, McClean seems genuinely liked and appreciated at the DW.

https://wiganathletic.com/news/2022/may/26/james-mcclean-and-scott-smith-extend-latics-contracts/

[JR89]

No surprise that Wigan exercised the option to extend his contract for another season. Third most goals scored in the league and third most assists in the league for them last season if Transfermarkt is correct.

[nigel-harps1954]

Surprised by that. Was fully expecting him to land back at Derry this summer.

[Insidetherock]

Nah, he's a couple more years in him yet

[tetsujin1979]

New mural for McClean in Derry
1534492747025076224

[pineapple stu]

Are you supposed to wear 3D glasses looking at that?

[sadloserkid]

Are you supposed to wear 3D glasses looking at that?

There's a lot of those around these days. The Dolores O'Riordan one in Limerick is similar and there's one in Cork too that I'm drawing a complete blank on.

[paul_oshea]

Are you supposed to wear 3D glasses looking at that?

Driving hazard

[Eirambler]

Jeez I have a headache just looking at a photo of that, never mind looking at the real thing.

[seanfhear]

Driving hazard
Might even restart the troubles = = Tis a Joke.

[JR89]

The first thing that comes to mind looking at that mural is the image of the horse's head in Fr Ted's dream.