Thirty-six-year-old goalkeeper Luke McCormick has left Swindon Town on a free to return to Plymouth Argyle. McCormick began his professional career at Home Park, and completed over 300 appearances for the club over two stints. The keeper also captained the club between 2016 and 2018. He joins Argyle’s goalkeeping team with 20-year-old Michael Cooper, whilst West Bromwich Albion loanee Alex Palmer returns to the Baggies.
Luke McCormick Returns Home to Plymouth Argyle
Last Season in League Two
McCormick played the 2019/20 season with Swindon Town in the fourth tier of English football. The keeper took part in 12 matches in League Two, amounting 1080 minutes on the pitch. He allowed 15 goals, kept three clean sheets, and finished the season with a 62.5% save success rate. Whilst he played, Swindon averaged 1.67 points per game.
The goalkeeper helped the Robins finish first in League Two, level on points with Crewe Alexandra as COVID-19 struck. Just one place and one point behind was Plymouth Argyle, who are also promoted to League One. McCormick will bring valuable experience to Home park, in Plymouth’s attempt to avoid relegation.
A Complicated Career
Luke McCormick played his youth career with Plymouth Argyle’s academy. He received his first professional appearance for the club on the final day of the 2000/01 season, where he kept a clean sheet. The shot-stopper played over 100 times for Argyle between his debut and 2008, when horror struck.
On 7 June 2008, McCormick was arrested for, and later plead guilty to, causing death by dangerous driving. He received a seven-year and four-month prison sentence, and was released from HM Prison Leyhill on 6 June 2012. He attempted to turn the page by trialing with clubs to try and revive his football career. The goalkeeper signed for Truro City, in the Conference South.
In 2013, he returned to league football with Oxford United, before returning home to Plymouth Argyle later that year. He once again played over 100 matches for the club, and won their player of the year for the 2014/15 season. After being released by the club, the shot-stopper joined League Two side Swindon Town in 2018. The keeper had a good stint at County Ground, and his team finished on top of League Two in 2020.
The veteran now looks to bring his experience back home, and help his side stay in League One for the next season. Plymouth Argyle have bounced between the third and fourth tier in England in the past seasons, and they look to cement their place, with hopes of further promotions shortly.
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