He's always been a controversial character and never one to shy away from an argument but former Irish international James McClean was always going to have something to say after his sides 0-0 draw with old rivals Bolton at the weekend.
In his first match against the Trotters at Toughsheet Stadium since moving to Wrexham, plenty of talk in the build-up to the match was centred around if there would be tension following numerous incidents between player and club. In the end it was a timid affair with few flashpoints to note.
Both Wrexham and Bolton came into the match having won their opening game of the league season last weekend and are highly fancied to challenge at the top end of the table this season.
Wrexham captain and wing-back McClean found it hard to make an impact in the game with Bolton's John McAtee constantly causing problems for McClean and his defence down the right hand side.
The match proved to be cagey with clear chances coming few and far between. Bolton dominated the match for large spells but where unable to break the deadlock against a stubborn Wrexham defence.
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McClean vs Bolton
It's fair to say McClean and Bolton have a little bit of history.
With both teams set to challenge for a tilt at promotion this season, there were plenty of eyes on their clash on Sunday afternoon. As the drama on the pitch proved to be minimal and goals hard to come by it was McCleans post match Instagram post that provided the majority of the entertainment. He couldn't let the match pass without a dig at Bolton.
He wrote:
Point on the road at the toughshit stadium..fantastic away support.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you James McClean. pic.twitter.com/n7WPDLAU4K
— Richard Ulrich 🏴 (@r77ulr) August 18, 2024
The Wrexham captain has scored more goals against the Whites than any other English club. Two seasons ago, during his time at local rivals Wigan, McClean chipped in with a brace as they came out on top 4-0 in the local derby.
In the return fixture, McClean also scored with his team having to settle for a 1-1 draw but the Derryman was quick to post on Instagram following the Latics share of the spoils.
He wrote:
4 points, 3 goals, fan base and manager on strings.. I own Bolton
He also clashed with current Bolton boss Ian Evatt after he claimed the Irishman was never on the club's radar following claims that Wanderers were an option for him to sign for.
McClean's rivalry with Bolton doesn't seem like stopping anytime soon and it'll be interesting to see how both teams fare out over the season.
