McClean is warned about winding up opposition fans next season

WREXHAM captain James McClean has been warned that winding up opposition fans could backfire on his team.

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The former Republic of Ireland international is a much-loved figure among the Welsh side’s supporters after leading them to two promotions since joining in August 2023.

The warm reception from the Wrexham faithful is in stark contrast, though, to that he gets from other fanbases. The winger has been on the receiving end of abuse for most of his career due to his decision not to wear a poppy on his shirt around Remembrance Sunday.

McClean normally takes it in his stride, often waving to supporters of other teams to annoy them. During Wrexham’s League One match away at Birmingham in September, the 36-year-old took things a step further after responding to goading from the home fans by pointing to his “Free Derry” tattoo.

He was also seen catching a cup thrown at him from the crowd at St Andrews and pretending to drink from it in an act of defiance. While McClean appears to use the vitriol to spur him on, one of his ex-teammates has now warned that it could have a negative impact as the club prepares for life in the Championship next term.