Men’s mental health charity offers to meet James McClean after footballer said speaking to psychologist was a sign of ‘weakness’

A men’s mental health charity has offered to meet James McClean after the Derry City footballer said he viewed speaking to a psychologist as a sign of “weakness”.

Men’s Action Network (MAN), which supports the mental health of men in Derry, said it would welcome the opportunity to speak with the 37-year-old former Republic of Ireland international about the importance of encouraging men to seek support when they need it.

The offer follows comments made by McClean in a newspaper interview at the weekend, in which he said he had never tried therapy because “as a man, I would see that as a weakness”.

However, Michael Lynch, from MAN, said there remained a stigma surrounding men’s mental health and the belief that asking for help was somehow a failing.

He told BBC News NI that while McClean was entitled to his own views, it was important for men to feel comfortable when acknowledging that they are struggling.

Mr Lynch said McClean was an influential figure, particularly for young men in Derry, given his sporting achievements and personal experiences.

He said the charity would welcome the chance to meet McClean and introduce him to the people it supports every day, adding that such a conversation could help demonstrate the importance of seeking support.

Meanwhile, Derry City FC has distanced itself from McClean’s comments, stressing that they did not reflect the club’s core values or beliefs.

In a statement, the club said the mental health and wellbeing of its players, staff and the wider Derry City community remained a priority.

It added that, with the support of its in-house psychologist, it actively encouraged anyone facing mental health challenges to speak openly, seek support and recognise that they did not have to face difficulties alone.

The club also confirmed it had accepted an invitation to meet with MAN to discuss the issues.

McClean, who is currently not playing for his hometown club amid an ongoing contract dispute, made the remarks during a wide-ranging interview covering his career, his new book and the abuse and death threats he has received over his decision not to wear a remembrance poppy.

The former Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City player also discussed his wife’s view that he had built-up anger and frustration that he had blocked out.