Jay McClelland signs new contract with the Saints
Jason McClelland celebrates after the 2021 FAI Cup Final Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)
FAI Cup champions St. Patrick's Athletic have retained the services of midfielder Jay McClelland for a fifth season at Richmond Park.
26-year-old McClelland has played 95 times for the Saints since signing from UCD in 2019, finding the back of the net eight times.
McClelland has two FAI Cup winners' medals, in 2021 and 2023, coming off the bench on both occasions.
He has proven he can keep his cool in high-pressure situations, scoring winning penalties in the 2021 FAI Cup final against Bohemians, and in Slovenia against NS Mura the following summer.
“I’m delighted to extend my deal at St. Pat's,” McClelland said.
“The last four years have been amazing, and I’ve had some great days at the club so far, especially in the two cup finals.
“As soon as I joined the club in November 2019, I felt a part of it.
“I’m looking forward to the new season and hopefully, we can improve on a really good couple of years and build on what we’ve done so far domestically, and hopefully, Europe can go a little better too.”
St. Pat's manager Jon Daly added: “It’s fantastic to have Jay commit to the club.”
“He is an extremely talented player who put in some very impressive performances last term. Still only 26, he is now seen as one of our most experienced players.
“We will be looking for him to help set the standards within the group next year.”
McClelland becomes the third player, after Danny Rogers and Tom Grivosti, to extend their stay in Inchicore.
