Derry City Post Statement After James McClean’s Mental Health Comments Spark Outrage

James McClean has caused a major stir with recent comments about men’s mental health.

The former Wigan Athletic, Sunderland and Wrexham player is not afraid to speak his mind on sensitive topics. He caused controversy on numerous occasions during his time in English football.

Now playing in his homeland for Derry City, McClean has sparked controversy once again after saying that he views men who speak to a psychologist about their mental health as ‘weak’.

McClean, who has received a great deal of social media abuse, and also received death threats, for refusing to wear a poppy, was asked why he had never tried therapy in an interview with the Sunday Independent, McClean said: “

“To be honest with you I feel like it’s … So I was back at my [parents’] house a week ago and I heard a voice upstairs, ‘Who the f**k is that?’ And it was my brother on a call to the club psychologist, having a lovely chat.

McClean’s comments went viral on social media, with many condemning him for his views.

McClean left Wrexham to join Derry City earlier this year. He has played 20 times for the club and is yet to score a goal.

The Candystripes, who are currently fifth in the League of Ireland Men’s Premier Division, have distanced themselves from McClean’s comment.

The club wrote in a statement on Monday: “Derry City FC notes the comments regarding mental health made by James McClean and published in yesterday’s Sunday Independent.

“Supported by our in-house psychologist, the Club actively encourages anyone facing mental health challenges to speak openly, seek support and know they never have to face such challenges alone.

“The Club has accepted an invitation to meet with Men’s Action Network (MAN) to discuss these issues.”

Action Images/Andrew Boyers

McClean’s wife, Erin, has now addressed his comments on social media. She revealed that she is encouraging him to seek therapy amid struggles with his mental health.

She wrote on X: “James made his comments in the context of admitting that I have been strongly encouraging him to seek therapy, to deal with issues from his early life as well as to face the end of his career. I do not agree with James’ opinion on the subject of therapy and mental health.

“In the book I talk about my worries about how James will cope with life after football. I am proud that in the process of working on the book he has opened himself up to difficult conversations and has allowed people to see some of his vulnerabilities.

“He is struggling at the moment and has been for some time. He may not agree with me sharing that but I’ve told him that I need to explain this. I’m working on getting him to a place where he recognises that speaking about this is not a sign of weakness. When James is suffering from stress or anxiety about a situation his instinct is to lash out.

“It has been a daily battle in a year where I feel he hasn’t been given the support that he requires when he is clearly struggling.

“I know James to be very supportive to personal friends of ours when they have gone through difficult times. While he continues to push back at the idea of therapy for himself that does not mean he does not care about other people’s struggles or the importance of seeking help.”

A mental health charity, Men’s Action Network (MAN), has offered to speak to McClean following his comments.