James McClean reveals his biggest club regret of not joining Wrexham’s ambitious story a bit sooner at the peak of his career.

What started as a bombshell rumour about James McClean’s homecoming transfer has taken over every Wrexham fan lately. Despite the move clashing with the Red Dragons’ Norwich defeat, McClean’s Derry City return is the talk of the town in fan forums everywhere.

Deservedly so, given that few stories could be more emotional than a boyhood club return after 15 years. Factor in the overwhelming feeling of exiting an ambitious project like Wrexham, McClean couldn’t hide his emotions at all.

Leaving as the fan-favourite Captain he was, McClean penned down a soulful letter for all Wrexham fans. While his last address mostly spoke of his gratefulness to the Welsh club, Jimmy’s heartfelt admission must have broken everyone down.

James McClean’s only regret read, “My only regret is I couldn’t have been a few years younger when joining this journey because this club is only going to go on and create more magic but thats football.”

McClean’s prime years didn’t overlap with his Wrexham spell

Having joined Wrexham’s passionate story in the summer of 2023, James McClean was already 34 by the time. While that didn’t hold him from giving his all for the club’s back-to-back promotions, it could’ve been a different story for him and Wrexham if he joined earlier.

That’s because, at the peak of his prowess, James McClean was an even more ruthless and dominating leader than at Wrexham.

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After leaving Derry City for a Premier League move, McClean spent a considerable part of his career battling against the best English sides. His notable performances include goal contributions against Tottenham and West Ham while representing West Brom.

Notably, James McClean’s personal accolades also include Player of the Season awards at multiple clubs. Having been touted as the best Young player for Sunderland in his inaugural PL campaign, McClean was named Stoke’s Player of the Year by fans for the 2019/20 season.

That’s still talking apart of his success with Ireland’s national side. With over a century of International Caps accumulated, James McClean was fundamental in their 2016 Euro campaign, while his goal against Wales in the WC qualifier remains among the most crucial goals in Ireland’s history.

To think McClean joined a Welsh club after breaking the nation’s hearts sums up the nature of football. But undeniably, a young, raw and electric winger version of James McClean could’ve impacted Wrexham’s success a lot more.

For now, it remains a what-if, but if not nearing 37, Captain McClean might not have left Wrexham until establishing their authority as a regular Premier League side.

Was McClean the oldest signing Wrexham ever made?

Though Captain McClean’s emotional regret might hint so, the 34-year-old was not the oldest Wrexham signing. Multiple club heroes have joined the Welsh side later, with notable names including fan-favourite Fletch.

Notably, Steven Fletcher joined Wrexham at 36, spent a memorable 2-year spell and left. While the moment of partition with the Hollywood club didn’t come easy for him either, he now spends time recounting his memorable tales.

As for now, James McClean has completed a multi-year deal on a homecoming to Derry City. Still, that doesn’t eliminate the possibility of calling out a day on his playing career earlier and reliving his Wrexham spell, which he calls “the most incredible and enjoyable couple of years.”

Again, a reunion with former clubmates like Fletch and Ollie Palmer isn’t ruled out. Just that this remains a possibility for James McClean off the field, likely on fan forums or podcasts now.

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