James McClean opens up for the first time on surviving the car accident and condemns abuse sent to his wife afterwards earlier this season.
In the latest episode of Welcome to Wrexham, the 36 year old midfielder and his wife, Erin McClean reflected on what happened that day.
The incident involved McClean being involved in a single-vehicle accident on his way to training back in January, where his Audi reportedly sustained significant damage.
At 10am, he was still at scene, with Wrexham planning for the Birmingham game without him, but by 11am, he got himself to the team meeting, declaring that he was fine, with just cuts and bruises.
(Credit: Instagram/ macajw)
James McClean said on the docuseries: “It was a really foggy morning and it was hard to see. I thought I had more road than I did. I came out from behind a lorry and the roundabout just appeared.
“For the next five seconds it was just a blur. Then the car stopped and there’s all this smoke coming out of the car. The door was quite wedged and I was banging it to get it open.
“I just see it as there’s bigger things ahead for me and it just wasn’t my time. I was saved that day. It was a scary experience, but it just shows you how quickly things can change.”
Reflecting on how severe the incident could have been, only having minor injuries, he added: “I just see it as there’s bigger things ahead for me and it just wasn’t my time. I was saved that day. It was a scary experience, but it just shows you how quickly things can change.”
McClean’s wife Erin found out about the accident via a text from her husband, with whom she has four children with. “I got a message from James saying he’d just been in a crash and he sent me a picture of the car,” she said. “I didn’t believe it.
“My heart just started racing and then I rang him straight away. He answered and I was like, ‘Are you hurt?’ He was like, ‘I’m actually okay.’ I just jumped in the car and went straight to Wrexham. He came out and was like, ‘I’m going to training.’”
McClean previously condemned the abuse sent to his wife Erin online after the accident. Taking to Instagram following his appearance against Birmingham, he said: “Now that the game is out of the way, to address yesterday. An experience I never wish to encounter again.
“I am blessed and thankful I managed to walk away with minor injuries and return home to my family, though much to the disappointment of some smelly scruffy pathetic creatures that messaged my wife online. Thank you for the messages of support.”
His wife Erin said via Instagram: “Leaving today feeling extremely thankful and blessed.
“Thank you for all the messages & kind words”.
In the build-up to the match, Wrexham confirmed that a car crash involving one of their players had occurred in a statement on their website.
It read: “Wrexham AFC can confirm that a first-team player has been involved in a car accident this morning on his way to training.
“It was a single car accident with no other vehicles involved and the relevant local authorities were quickly present at the scene.
“The player reported to the club this morning and will undergo further medical checks.”
“Tonight typified Jimmy,” said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson. “At 9am, we get a call to say he’s been involved in an accident and he can’t leave the scene of the incident until the police arrive.
“He then needs medical assistance, has to go in and see the club doctor. We’re writing him off at this stage (in terms of playing in the Birmingham game). But then, halfway through the team meeting at the training ground, he walks in with his boots over his shoulder and says, ‘I’ll be fine’.
“Jim even trained on Wednesday as normal. Mad, really. But that’s just typical of Jim. There’s no dramas with him.”
Phil added after the Birmingham game: “Tonight typified Jimmy,. At 9am, we get a call to say he’s been involved in an accident and he can’t leave the scene of the incident until the police arrive.
“He then needs medical assistance, has to go in and see the club doctor. We’re writing him off at this stage (in terms of playing in the Birmingham game). But then, halfway through the team meeting at the training ground, he walks in with his boots over his shoulder and says, ‘I’ll be fine’.
“Jim even trained on Wednesday as normal. Mad, really. But that’s just typical of Jim. There’s no dramas with him.”
Wrexham issue statement on James McClean after being involved in a car accident
Wrexham issue statement on James McClean after being involved in a car accident
