Former Derry City striker Liam Coyle says the exit of James McClean from the club came as no real surprise after it was announced on Wednesday that his contract had been terminated by mutual consent. The 37-year-old, who has not played since July, had previously described an earlier attempt by the League of Ireland club to terminate his contract as "incomprehensible" and called his exile from the squad "one of the most difficult periods in my life, personally and professionally."
In a joint statement, the club and McClean said they are "satisfied with the outcome and are pleased to move forward constructively." Coyle believes the decision suits both parties, particularly with the club preparing for the FAI Cup final against Waterford on 8 November. "Over the last three or four months there's been a real breakdown between himself and the club," Coyle said.
Colye added that neither side was willing to step back from what was said, and once the club felt McClean had overstepped the mark several times, there was no way back. "Unfortunately, there's nobody bigger than any football club and James paid the price for it," he said. McClean, who won 103 caps for Republic of Ireland, had returned to Derry in January after spells at Sunderland, Wigan, West Brom, Stoke and Wrexham.
Coyle said he was disappointed the dispute had played out so publicly and felt both parties should have resolved it earlier. "It's sad he'll not get to play, especially in a cup final," he said, noting that McClean remains an icon in the area.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing