IRELAND will have another player in the Premier League next season after James McClean signed a three-year deal with West Bromwich Albion, however opinion among Baggies fans is mixed over the transfer.
McClean received death threats and was booed by his own supporters after refusing to wear a poppy on his shirt when playing for Sunderland against Everton in November 2012.
The winger adopted the same stance when playing for Wigan against Bolton in November 2014, before which he wrote an open letter to Latics chairman Dave Whelan explaining his decision.
McClean is from Derry, where British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians during a civil rights march, 14 of whom died.
From the reaction of West Brom fans on Twitter since news of his possible switch to the club first emerged, it's fair to say the jury is still out…
James McClean!!!!!!! Just what we want at our club???? Absolute tool of a bloke! Be nice to see his shirt with a poppy on it #prick #wba
— Stephen 👨👩👦👦 (@stebaker) June 16, 2015
I wouldn't sign McClean just on the fact he refused to wear a poppy on his shirt in a match. #wba
— Dyl 🏴 (@WBA_Dyl) June 16, 2015
Not overly interested in McLean's football ability. I care even less about his view on wearing a poppy. For goodness sake... #wba
— Dave (@stourdave) June 22, 2015
James McClean is a solid if uninspiring signing. Useful addition. Anyone focusing on the poppy issue should read his open letter first.
— Andrew Benbow (@WBABenbow) June 22, 2015
