James McClean M Wrexham b.1989

**DannyInvincible** · 01/11/2014, 3:26 PM

Probably not. He's just come on.

**Charlie Darwin** · 01/11/2014, 3:36 PM

Is he wearing a poppy?

**DannyInvincible** · 01/11/2014, 3:45 PM

I'm not watching, so not sure. I'd be surprised if so, but there's no storm on Twitter yet...

Anyhow, Ross McCormack's just after getting sent off after an altercation with him. James got booked.

**DannyInvincible** · 05/11/2014, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by TheOneWhoKnocks

Scoring the match winning brace against Derby isn't enough to see McClean named in the starting line up today. Wonder if it has anything to do with his refusal to wear a stupid flower on his kit/tracksuit?

Just been watching a bit of the Football League Show and I don't think any side in the Championship had poppies on their jerseys last weekend. I'm sure this weekend will be a different matter though.

**GypsyBlackCat** · 06/11/2014, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Just been watching a bit of the Football League Show and I don't think any side in the Championship had poppies on their jerseys last weekend. I'm sure this weekend will be a different matter though.

Teams playing at home last weekend and away this weekend had a minutes silence before their games to remember members in the armed forces associated with their clubs but not many wore poppies. This weekend all clubs will wear poppies and have an minute silence before their matches.

**DeLorean** · 06/11/2014, 11:30 AM

Poppy season comes around too quickly.

**Roberto** · 06/11/2014, 12:26 PM

You'll have a chance to see for yourself if James wears a poppy as Wigan are live on Sky tomorrow night away to Bolton. Don't be at all surprised if James doesn't feature as he was withdrawn on 68 mins last Tuesday night (maybe a re-occurence of the dead leg that ruled him out of Wigan team this time last year

)!!!. Rosler has been using a rotational policy all season that seemingly is infuriating Wigan fans and there is a feeling Rosler may be gone if Wigan lose tomorrow night (you heard it here first!!!!!)

**DeLorean** · 06/11/2014, 1:20 PM

Originally Posted by Roberto

You'll have a chance to see for yourself if James wears a poppy as Wigan are live on Sky tomorrow night away to Bolton.

NEIL LENNON JAMES McCLEAN

in

POPPY WARS

A Poppy Film Archives Production

**geysir** · 06/11/2014, 2:04 PM

We're eternally damned, poppy season never dies

**DeLorean** · 07/11/2014, 7:13 PM

Letter from McClean to Dave Whelan explaining his decision not to wear a Poppy

**paul_oshea** · 07/11/2014, 8:17 PM

He has gone up in my estimation. Fair play to him.I'm sure he got help writing it but fair play to him. I have a lot of respect for him

**BonnieShels** · 07/11/2014, 8:29 PM

The sentiment is as clear as day there. No one could disparage that. Fair play James.

**SwanVsDalton** · 07/11/2014, 8:44 PM

Good letter, good explanation, good man James.

**backstothewall** · 07/11/2014, 9:49 PM

Originally Posted by BonnieShels

No one could disparage that.

You wanna bet?

**BonnieShels** · 07/11/2014, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by backtowalsall

You wanna bet?

Paul tried.

Here's what's being said on vital:http://www.wigan.vitalfootball.co.uk...=26900&posts=8

**paul_oshea** · 07/11/2014, 10:45 PM

They respect him cos he is one of their own players.what about who they played tonight how did they react?and other teams fans in the same division?

**Philly** · 07/11/2014, 11:02 PM

Got an assist tonight. Got booed every time he touched the ball too.

**tricky_colour** · 07/11/2014, 11:23 PM

The letter seems to have gone down pretty well in the media from what I can see.
You will always get a few negative comments and boos from the opposition but overall it was a good idea,
even people who disagree with him seem on the whole to respect his decision.

**Charlie Darwin** · 07/11/2014, 11:42 PM

Fair play to him. He's a brave boy and I admire his willingness to stick his neck out.

**DannyInvincible** · 07/11/2014, 11:56 PM

It's a sorry state of affairs when a player feels compelled to release a public statement "explaining himself" for the absence of a political symbol on his football jersey. In saying that, fair play to James for this unfortunately necessary but positive gesture and for yet again standing up to what has come to be known as "poppy fascism". Are others who might personally feel similar as brave and principled? He has often been mocked by his bitter detractors as immature, brash and even thick, but that letter is exceptionally graceful, respectful and considerate (of his club, his fans, those killed at war as well as during the Troubles, and his own community). With eloquence, intelligence and maturity, it offers as complete and thorough an explanation as should be necessary for those who still feel that non-poppy wearers should have to explain themselves for making what ought to be no more than a simple personal decision in a modern democratic society. To be honest, I found his words quite moving. It's lovely to hear a footballer speak so forthrightly and positively about what he believes in for a change. I have a great admiration for James' spirit and attitude anyway, but my respect has only grown for him this evening. Good man, James!