James McClean Homecoming: Derry City FC Land a Leader as Wrexham Score Late Draw Against Leicester

Mo. Basuony

ago 2 hours

James McClean

James McClean is headed home, and the timing makes the story feel even bigger. Within days of confirming his move to Derry City FC, the veteran winger’s final Wrexham chapter ended in dramatic fashion as Wrexham’s latest scoreline—a 1-1 draw with Leicester—slipped away late in brutal conditions. For supporters searching “james mclean,” “james mcclean,” and even the common misspelling “james mcclean,” it all points to the same moment: a high-profile leader switching leagues, and two clubs immediately feeling the ripple effects.

Wrexham score: Leicester 1-1 Wrexham as late equaliser spoils the night

Wrexham looked set to claim a valuable three points on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, after taking the lead through Lewis O’Brien in the 63rd minute. But Leicester rescued a point deep in stoppage time, turning what would have been a statement win into a frustrating “almost” for Phil Parkinson’s side.

Wrexham score recap (Championship):

Wrexham 1-1 Leicester
- 63’ Lewis O’Brien (Wrexham)
- Late equaliser: Jannik Vestergaard (Leicester)

In the wider table picture, it was the kind of result that feels small on paper and huge emotionally: Wrexham were in control for long stretches, but one late moment undid a night’s work—exactly the kind of swing that defines promotion races.

The other key Wrexham scoreline: Norwich 2-1 win that set the tone

The Leicester draw came on the heels of a painful home defeat on Saturday, January 17, 2026, when Norwich won 2-1 at the STōK Cae Ras. Norwich struck early, Wrexham responded well, and then the match tilted again after the break.

Wrexham score recap (Championship):

Wrexham 1-2 Norwich
- 9’ Anis Ben Slimane (Norwich)
- Before HT: Sam Smith (Wrexham)
- 58’ Jovon Makama (Norwich)

That game also featured an extended stoppage for a medical emergency in the stands, a reminder that football’s priorities can change instantly. Once play resumed, Norwich found the sharper edge and Wrexham couldn’t fully regain control.

James McClean to Derry City FC: why this move matters beyond sentiment

Derry City FC aren’t just signing a hometown name; they’re adding a player built for intensity and standards. McClean returns to the Brandywell nearly 15 years after leaving, arriving with a career profile that most League of Ireland teams rarely get access to in a current, match-ready player: top-level experience, a reputation for relentless work, and the leadership habits of a long-time pro.

Key facts shaping the impact:

McClean leaves Wrexham after a two-and-a-half-year spell, including being named club captain.
He logged 95 league appearances for Wrexham.
He’s a long-time Republic of Ireland international, finishing with 103 caps.

For Derry City FC, it’s a dressing-room upgrade as much as it is a footballing one. Even if he isn’t playing every minute, his influence can show up in how the team trains, how it manages pressure games, and how it responds when momentum swings—exactly the moments Derry will face in a title push.

The McClean/McLean confusion—and why fans keep typing both

Search traffic tells its own story. “James McClean” is the correct spelling, but “James McLean” and “James McCLEAN” pop up constantly—especially during transfer windows and big match weeks. The attention spike now is easy to explain: a well-known figure leaving a headline-grabbing project at Wrexham and returning to Derry City FC, with immediate match drama attached to the exit.

What happens next for Wrexham and Derry City FC

For Wrexham, losing a captain mid-season forces clarity. Leadership doesn’t disappear, but it must be redistributed—on the pitch, in the changing room, and in the moments when a match is on a knife edge. The recent Wrexham scorelines underline the problem: results are tight, and late-game management is the difference between playoff momentum and mid-table frustration.

For Derry City FC, the challenge is harnessing the emotion without letting it become weight. A homecoming can lift a club, but it also raises expectation instantly. McClean arrives as both symbol and solution—yet the points still have to be earned, and the League of Ireland doesn’t hand titles to sentiment.

If you want, tell me whether you’re tracking this mainly from a Wrexham angle or a Derry City FC angle, and I’ll break down the most likely tactical role for McClean and what it changes for each team’s next run of fixtures.