James McClean: 'Hung out to dry' for refusing to wear Poppy
2026-10-29
At just 11 years old, James McClean was making petrol bombs on the streets of Derry. Years later, he would be playing in the Premier League.
Growing up in the shadow of the Troubles, McClean's journey from the streets of Creggan to 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland and captaining Wrexham during their Hollywood rise has been anything but conventional.
In this special episode of The Sports Agents, McClean joins Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman to reflect on a remarkable life in football — from his Premier League career to the poppy controversy, the years of abuse from opposition supporters and his refusal to compromise on his beliefs.
Drawing on his autobiography The Walls, he opens up about his childhood, the pressures of professional football, his struggles with anger, the importance of family and the experiences that have shaped the man behind the headlines.
An honest and sometimes uncomfortable conversation about football, identity, loyalty and the price of standing by your convictions.
James McClean's autobiography The Walls, published by Sandycove is out now.
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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides
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Gabby Logan & Mark Chapman, two of the UK’s top sports broadcasters, host a twice-weekly podcast exploring the biggest stories from the world of sport...
From the Premier League to the Olympics, rugby's future, boxing's identity crisis, the latest Formula 1 soap opera, the NFL and beyond... you name it, The Sports Agents have got it covered - and will bring you behind the scenes at some of the greatest sporting events from around the world too.
Drawing on their wealth of experience and insight, with exclusive interviews and expert analysis, Gabby & Mark tackle the big questions and explain not just what’s happening, but why.
New episodes every Monday and Thursday.
The Sports Agents is a Global Player Original Podcast.
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