McClean left The Racecourse in January after losing his place in the first team and immediately signed a deal with home-town club Derry City, where his contract was ended by mutual consent today.

The former Republic of Ireland international has criticised how the Wrexham dressing has changed in his new book entitle The Walls but when asked about those comments at today’s press conference, Parkinson replied diplomatically: “I’ll have a read of that, maybe at the end of the season.

“Jimmy was a brilliant player for us. I really loved having Jimmy here.

“I’d rather focus on what Jimmy did for us and the character he brought into the group and how he trained every day - like he was a teenager.”

Parkinson brought McClean in from Wigan in 2023 and he played 108 times for the Reds, scoring seven goals and captaining them to promotion from League One to the Championship.

McClean, who has not played for Derry since July, said in August that the club had attempted to terminate his contract because of his physical fitness.

A statement released by Derry today announced that “the club and James are satisfied with the outcome and are pleased to move forward constructively”.

McClean said: “I’m pleased that we have reached a resolution to settle these matters.

“While my return to the club did not work out as I had hoped, Derry City will always hold a special place in my heart.”