James McClean's wife relieved as Wrexham exit brings Derry return and distance from poppy row | OneFootball

Erin McClean says the family feel a huge sense of relief as they prepare to return to Northern Ireland after James McClean left Wrexham for Derry City. The 36-year-old sealed a homecoming last weekend after mutually ending his Championship contract.

"James still had 18 months left on his Wrexham contract, but he has always been the type of person who just wants to play football. That's the bottom line, and he hasn't been getting as many minutes for Wrexham as he's wanted this season." she told BBC Radio Foyle.

His refusal to wear a poppy has brought abuse and threats since 2012 at Sunderland. He says he cannot wear it because it commemorates all British Army conflicts, a stance shaped by his upbringing on Derry’s Creggan estate and Bloody Sunday.

On Tuesday at the Racecourse Ground he was applauded by home fans before kick-off against Leicester, then turned to the away end and raised two middle fingers, smiling. After the 1-1 draw he thanked Wrexham on Instagram and swore at opposition fans.

"Now, we're getting to go home and settle and hopefully we lose that negative side of things and life gets a bit more settled and easier."

He leaves with the club’s blessing after thanking owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, and Phil Parkinson called him a great servant. He is set to reunite with younger brother Patrick at Derry City, having captained Wrexham to back-to-back promotions.

Source: Wales Online