Former Wrexham Star Reveals James McClean’s Major Pre-Season Blunder
James McClean, a prominent figure in the football community, is well-known for his commitment to fitness. At 36, the former Republic of Ireland international continues to impress teammates with his remarkable physical condition. Throughout his career, from Derry City to his current role in North Wales with Wrexham, McClean has prioritized his health. Though he remains eligible for international duty, he has stepped back to focus more on club activities and family life.
James McClean’s Pre-Season Misstep
However, despite his strong dedication, McClean faced challenges. Ben Foster, a former teammate, recounted a significant pre-season blunder involving McClean’s dietary choices. This incident occurred during a West Brom pre-season tour in Austria under manager Tony Pulis.
The Vegan Experiment
Foster described how McClean chose to adopt a vegan diet just a week before the intense training session began. He explained the consequences of this decision:
- Location: Pre-season training in Austria.
- Duration: 1 week of veganism prior to training.
- Outcome: McClean struggled significantly during strenuous activities.
Foster shared, “We were running up the hills, and he nearly collapsed. He was in a bad way for a couple of days.” This experience quickly led McClean to abandon veganism in favor of a protein-focused diet.
Maintaining Fitness at Wrexham
Despite past missteps, McClean remains committed to his fitness regime. Kevin Mulholland, a guest on That Wrexham Podcast, noted that he has worked alongside McClean for nearly two decades. He considers him one of the fittest players he has encountered in his career.
Continuous Training
During international breaks, McClean keeps up with his fitness training. He actively demonstrates his readiness to contribute to Wrexham, ensuring he remains an essential player for the team. His training routine includes boxing and regular gym workouts, which helps him stay in top shape.
In summary, James McClean exemplifies dedication to fitness. His journey, including the notable pre-season dietary misstep, highlights the challenges athletes face in maintaining peak physical condition while striving for excellence on the pitch.
