mcclen's spell at carlisle only lasted a few months before he was released. he then went to blyth spartans on a short-term basis. he returned to the football league to join shrewsbury town, but he was released due to concerns over his fitness levels. in june 2006 he signed a 12-month contract with kidderminster harriers of the football conference. on 3 november 2006, mcclen returned to the north-east to play for bedlington terriers on loan.