EUROPA League football plus the fact that Wigan are considered favourites to make an immediate return to the Premiership, convinced James McClean that a move to DW Stadium was the right one for him. And while the Creggan man accepted the view that some would suggest a step down to the Championship would not be in his best interests, âLaticsâ boss, Owen Coyle, convinced him he needed a change. âI really do believe this is the right move for me,â insisted James last night. âObviously things had gone wrong for me at Sunderland. Iâm fully aware that I made mistakes and while I would also admit to losing my confidence, I certainly wasnât enjoying my football,â he added. âIâve already held my hand up admitting the mistakes Iâve made, but I also believe Iâve learned from those experiences and moved on. âThe move to Wigan is the right one but I will have regrets leaving Sunderland. I had many good times and played with some fantastic players. Iâve made many friends, particularly among the playing staff and I will miss them. âJohn OâShea has always been a great friend to me and I will miss his guidance and advice. I have no problems with the club that gave me the chance to prove myself when playing at the top level,â he added. Once his agents had made him aware that an undisclosed offer from Wigan had been accepted by the âBlack Cats,â McClean took up the opportunity to meet Owen Coyle who, incidentally, has visited Brandywell Stadium in the not too distant past. âIâve had a good discussion with the manager and he outlined his plans for the future. We talked about what he expected of me and his hopes to make a quick return to the Premier League. âI was very impressed with his plans and I realised that a move to Wigan may be just whatâs needed to get me back enjoying playing football again. âThe fact that Wigan won the FA Cup last season and now have the Europa League to look forward to was also a big factor for me as I want to play in Europe. âBut the fact that the manager had kept so many of his players from last year together, players who had played in the Premiership was also important,â noted James. A long standing Manchester United supporter, James did not ignore that Wigan would be playing the âRed Devilsâ in Wembley Stadium this Sunday in the Community Shield. âIâm not sure if I will be involved, but Iâm keeping my fingers crossed,â he laughed. âHopefully I will be part of the travelling squad. He realised he could take nothing for granted: âIâve learned at Sunderland than you canât take anything for granted at this level. I realise I must put my head down and work hard to establish myself and, hopefully, get into the first team. âIâm 24, I believe I have something to offer and Iâm keen to keep my place in the Ireland team but I must secure regular football if Iâm to do that,â he concluded.
Made mistakes, wasn't enjoying his football? He was out of his depth more like and PDC wouldn't have put up with him. A 1 trick pony will never win the national.
Fair play to the lad, very respectful. Wish him all the best, and think he'll be a weapon at that level.
A useless tool we are well rid of and a pity it didn't happen sooner. Anyone with any sense could see the lad was severely limited. Praise the lord...(is that allowed?)
I wish the lad well, he did silly things and got propelled under O'Neil very quickly into the 1st team after being an outcast under fat boys tenure. Maybe the, "I'm a Premiership footballer" bit went to his head and contributed to his stupidity, I don't know, we will never know but his goal at Stoke a couple of seasons ago and his contribution has got us ready for another year in the Premiership. Good luck to the lad, I'd shake his hand and buy him a beer..
