Wrexham star James McClean mocks Birmingham fans with ‘old steward’ & ‘2ft advertising hoardings’ jibe after receiving more crowd abuse in ‘Hollywood derby’ at St Andrew’s

The outspoken Irishman often finds himself the centre of attention at away grounds, with rival supporters making him a target for terrace taunts. The same was true for McClean when making a trip to the West Midlands with Wrexham.

McClean positively revels in hostile atmospheres, as a character that will never back down from a challenge, and interacted with home fans after being replaced in a League One fixture that had been billed as a ‘Hollywood derby – with Rob McElhenney, Tom Brady and David Beckham among those in attendance.

Birmingham fans did cross the line after seeing McClean substituted in the second half, as cups rained down on him as he made his way around the pitch, while the 35-year-old further goaded his detractors when taking up a seat on the bench.

McClean is eager to have the last word in what was a fiery contest – which saw Wrexham suffer their first league defeat of the season – and has posted on Instagram in response to those that were more mouth than action: “They have nothing in their whole imperial arsenal that can break the spirit of an Irishman who doesn’t want to be broken.”

He added: “P.s fair play to the one old steward that held them all back from getting over the 2ft advertising hoardings.”

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Wrexham co-owners McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are delighted to have McClean’s character and vast experience on board – having acquired him ahead of a League Two promotion push in 2023-24 – and Phil Parkinson has handed the captain’s armband to the ex-Republic of Ireland international this season.