McClean's Derry exit not 'any real surprise' - Coyle

McClean's contract with Derry City has been terminated by mutual consent after a breakdown with the club; the 37-year-old had not played since July.

James McClean's contract with Derry City has been terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect, the club announced on Wednesday. The 37-year-old had not featured since July and had previously called an earlier termination attempt "incomprehensible", describing his exile from the squad as "one of the most difficult periods in my life, personally and professionally".

In a joint statement, both parties said they are "satisfied with the outcome and are pleased to move forward constructively". The split comes ahead of Derry's FAI Cup final against Waterford on 8 November.

Former Derry striker Liam Coyle said the exit was unsurprising given the breakdown between McClean and the club over recent months. "Over the last three or four months there's been a real breakdown between himself and the club," Coyle said. "Once it got to that stage when the club felt James overstepped the mark a few times, there was no way back from it." Coyle expressed disappointment that the dispute played out publicly, suggesting both parties should have resolved matters earlier. McClean, who won 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland, rejoined Derry in January after spells at Sunderland, Wigan, West Brom, Stoke and Wrexham.