The Walls

James McClean

The Walls

€23.99 €27.50 RRP
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SKU: 9781844887101

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Release Date: 22-10-2026
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This is the raw untold story of a footballer from Creggan, a complex and deprived area of his beloved Derry, who defied the odds to reach the summit of his profession.

James McClean grew up in the staunchly republican Creggan area of Derry where he came under the influence of Martin McGuinness, the IRA commander/Sinn Fein leader, amongst others. His decision to shun alcohol and other temptations from an early age meant that he could concentrate on his sporting talent and his dream of becoming a professional footballer. His breakthrough came with his local club, Derry City (who don’t play in the Northern Ireland league, but in the Rep of Ire league), before he was capped for an underage Northern Ireland team. He then dramatically switched his allegiance to the Rep of Ireland. He played 103 times for Ireland.

He signed for Sunderland in the Premiership and went on to play for Wigan, West Brom and Stoke before a return to Wigan and ending up most recently at Wrexham. His English playing career could be termed more ‘journeyman’ than star, but his life off the field was far from dull, most notably his decision not to wear a poppy when clubs started to print it on their jerseys. His decision meant he has been both condemned and supported. The BBC said in 2015 that McClean’s decision not to wear the poppy was one of the top 5 reasons people stated they wouldn’t wear one. After the refusal he was subjected to sectarian abuse and loyalist threats, including death threats.


About the Author

James McClean is an Irish professional footballer with Derry City. He previously captained Wrexham