Wigan boss Shaun Maloney has expressed his frustration at James McClean’s move to Wrexham, as the new signing prepares to make his debut against his old club.
McClean joined Wrexham from Wigan in the last few days, dropping down a division in what is a huge coup for Phil Parkinson’s side.
Wrexham are set to face Wigan tonight in round one of the Carabao Cup, and McClean is in line to appear against his former side in what will be his highly anticipated debut.
Maloney has highlighted his frustration at McClean’s sudden departure, but has also reiterated that he has no hard feelings towards his former teammate.
“I was really disappointed. I really wanted to keep James and, as he put on his social media, I wanted him to be captain of the team this year,” he stated.
“Look, I understand the decision he’s made, and I’ll never say a bad word against him. He played last year when he hadn’t been paid, and he trained hard every day, he gave me absolutely everything.
“He just came to a decision that he would get more security at a different club. “I would have loved him to have stayed, he decided he needed that security, and I respect that.
“We’re both going to have to move on, that happens in football, sometimes things are taken out of your control.”
Additional firepower
McClean was an ever-present in the Championship for Wigan last season, scoring three and assisting eight times, and he is now one of the most accomplished players in League Two, with 100 international caps to his name.
The versatile winger will help provide some creativity and attacking impetus to the side, which will be particularly important in the absence of Paul Mullin, who remains sidelined with a punctured lung.
It was another ambitious deal for Wrexham to bring McClean in, who will reunite with former West Brom teammate Ben Foster, and the 34-year-old will hope to get the club back on track after a humbling opening day defeat at home to MK Dons.