James McClean has criticised the approach of the players at his former club Derry City in Sunday’s FAI Cup final defeat to Drogheda United.
Wrexham player McClean was in Dublin to see the game and support his former club, but he didn’t hold back in his assessment of City’s display in their tame 2-0 loss to Drogheda, a defeat that denied Derry access to European football next season.
“My take on yesterday’s game for what it’s worth and only yesterday’s game, one-off cup games anything can happen, but if you are going to lose a game especially a cup final then please don’t lose it in that manner,” McClean said.
Glory for Drogheda and more heartbreak for Derry
“I don’t know the mindset of the players going into the game but it looked like we expected to just turn up, go through the motions and win which is unacceptable, it’s a cup final lads!
“Drogheda were fully deserving of the win. They looked hungrier, sharper all [over] the pitch and I don’t think anyone can argue that, so congrats to them.”
However, McClean also noted the negative reaction towards the players and manager Rúaidhrí Higgins from a section of the Derry support at the game.
Derry City players leave the pitch after the FAI Cup final defeat to Drogheda United
“All I will say on some of the scenes at the final whistle which I didn’t like, granted emotions are running high but not for a second do I think that those players didn’t care or that they were not hurting yesterday, of course they were.
“They will be hurting for a while, especially the home-grown players,” he added.
“There’s no getting away from the fact that it’s going to be a big, very important transfer window post season coming up where the right players are brought in in terms of ability and character to take the team forward to challenge and win trophies.”