Ex-Claret McCann ‘no regrets’ at leaving Turf Moor

After nine years with Burnley, and 238 appearances, the 26-year-old joined FA Cup holders Wigan Athletic at the end of his contract.

It has been an eventful season so far for the Latics, playing in Europe for the first time, before Owen Coyle’s resignation at the start of the month, as their bid for an immediate return to the Premier League stuttered.

Meanwhile, Sean Dyche has guided the Clarets, at the time of writing, into top spot in the Championship, despite not spending a penny.

McCann is expected to face his old club for the first time on Sunday as Burnley travel to the DW Stadium, but he wouldn’t change a thing as he looks back on his decision to move on: “I have no regrets, it was just one of those things.

“I had a good time there, but I felt the time was right to make the move.

“I needed the change.

“When you’re in a place too long, you can outstay your welcome, and I needed to challenge myself

“You can become stagnant, and that was how I felt.

“I feel now I’m starting to play well again on a regular basis, I just needed something to motivate me again.

“Coming here was the right decision at the right time.”

He accepts it will be odd playing against old teammates, however: “It’s going to be a funny one, playing against boys I was playing with, some for a long time.

“I spent most of my career there and had a great time, and we won promotion to the Premier League. So it’s going to be very strange, although I’m looking forward to it.

“I believe the fans are going to fill the away end, and it’s going to be a big game.

“We’re doing well with the new gaffer, but it will be a tough match.”

The Dubliner is delighted to see Burnley riding high, and their form isn’t a shock to him: “I’m not surprised at how Burnley are doing, last season I thought the squad was really good, but needed to knit together and gel, and Sean Dyche is doing a fantastic job.

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