# McClean’s Derry exit not ‘any real surprise’ – Coyle

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mccleans-derry-exit-not-any-real-surprise-coyle/
- Published: 2026-10-28T20:27:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-29T04:39:01+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cm5ynw78kgj6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport

## Key points

- James McClean and Derry City have ended his contract by mutual consent.
- He had not featured for the club since July.
- Liam Coyle says the split had become likely after months of tension.

## Summary

James McClean’s departure from Derry City was announced on Wednesday, with his contract ended by mutual consent. Former Derry striker Liam Coyle said the decision was no real surprise after months of strained relations, and that it suited both sides as the club prepares for the FAI Cup final.

The 37-year-old had not played for Derry since July, following a dispute that included an earlier attempt to end his contract. McClean had called his exclusion deeply difficult, while a joint statement said both parties were satisfied with the outcome and wanted to move forward constructively. He rejoined Derry in January, having first played there from 2008 to 2011, and leaves before the final against Waterford on 8 November.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.