James McClean's wife says move home is new chapter

The wife of professional footballer James McClean has said they will be "closing the door" on the abuse they endured in England as they prepare to move home to Londonderry.

Erin McClean said the actions of a "small minority" did affect the couple, but ultimately made them more resilient, and she looks back on their 15 years in England as an "amazing time".

The former Republic of Ireland wideman has frequently been the target of social media abuse for refusing to wear a poppy and he also received death threats.

McClean's Wrexham FC contract was not due to expire until the summer of 2027, but it was announced last week that he had secured a return to hometown club Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

The 36-year-old previously played for the Candystripes from 2008-2011, winning a League of Ireland First Division title with the club in 2010.

McClean then moved to Premier League side Sunderland and has also had spells in the top flight with West Brom and Stoke City as well as two stints at Wigan Athletic, where he won the League One title in 2022.

The versatile midfielder joined Welsh side Wrexham while the club were in League Two in 2023 and has since helped them to successive promotions to get them into the Championship.

He was named captain in 2024 and made 108 appearances for the club, including 19 in all competitions this season.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle, Erin paid tribute to Wrexham for facilitating her husband's speedy transfer to Derry.

The mother-of-four also told the North West Today programme it would be a big move for their children.

She has to prepare them for their new life in Derry and make sure her daughter Willow, who is autistic, has the right support.

"It's a mixture of emotions, we are so excited to get home," she said.

"It's something we always wanted to do is settle back.

"It's just happened a bit quicker than we anticipated.

"We have built a life here for 15 years and made great friends, so we are sad but also excited."

The move to Derry would be a new beginning for the couple and their children, but one they always intended to make.

"They [her children] started their school journeys in the house we are currently in, eight years ago," she said.

"This is home to them.

"They are so excited to see their cousins and family, so it is harder for them as they are so settled.

"But they have always known this is going to happen so we are trying to prepare them the best we can."

She said that in the few days since McClean signed for the Candystripes, things have already begun to change.

"You know, pulling the Derry top on again and listening to him in the press conference and stuff, like after, we went out for food and were just walking along the quay and I just couldn't stop smiling," she said.

"I said: 'Oh my God, this is it, this is going to be our normal again doing things like this'.

"You miss out on so much being away... weddings and family get-togethers and stuff, knowing now going forward that we'll not have to miss out on anything like that, that's the stuff that means the world to us."

She said that working in autism advocacy is something she would "absolutely love to do" if the opportunity arises.

For now, she is looking forward to McClean and his brother Patrick walking out onto the pitch at Derry's home ground.

"I think it'll be electric, you know Brandywell is rocking most Friday nights. It'll just be a real '[full] circle moment', really."

McClean has refused to wear a poppy throughout his career.

In 2015, when playing for West Bromwich Albion, McClean said in the matchday programme, he would wear it "every day of the year" if it only represented those who died in World War One and World War Two.

However, he said the poppy represented all the conflicts the UK had been involved in, and because "of the history where I come from in Derry, I cannot wear something that represents that".

In 1972, 13 people were shot dead and at least 15 others injured when members of the Army's Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in Derry, on a day that became known as Bloody Sunday.