McCormick's in line to face Argyle for Oxford
FORMER Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Luke McCormick is in line for a return to Home Park a fortnight today.
McCormick, 29, was signed by League Two club Oxford United, on a contract until the end of the season, late on Thursday.
He is expected to make his debut for the U's in their away game against Paul Sturrock's Southend United today.
Oxford will then host Bristol Rovers and Fleetwood Town before playing Argyle at Home Park on February 16.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
Oxford made their move for McCormick because their first-choice keeper Ryan Clarke has been ruled out for the rest of the season following shoulder surgery.
McCormick had been playing in the Football Conference South for Truro City on non-contract forms since November.
The former Argyle shot-stopper was sentenced to more than seven years in prison after admitting to killing two children in a car crash in 2008.
McCormick, who was more than twice over the drink-drive limit when it happened, was released last summer after serving three-and-a-half years.
He briefly trained with Swindon Town but was not offered a contract by them.
McCormick last played a Football League game in May 2008, when Argyle lost 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship.
Oxford manager Chris Wilder said: "We are very mindful of the past and the situation. Luke is very contrite and sorry about what happened.
"He was sentenced and went to prison and during that time had the opportunity to reflect on what he had done.
"It is hard to separate the two, but purely from a football perspective he is an experienced goalkeeper who has played most of his games in League One and the Championship.
"We have a situation here where our number one goalkeeper is out for the foreseeable future with a shoulder injury and we could lose (first-year professional) Max Crocombe to international duty next month. We are offering Luke a chance to play again.
"I have spoken to Luke at length and he knows that it will not be easy for him but he is very humble and wants to try to make the most of the opportunity."
Oxford have agreed to play Truro in a pre-season friendly at Treyew Road later in the year.
McCormick played 157 times for Argyle, making his debut at the age of 17 in a 0-0 draw against Rochdale at Home Park in May 2001.
2 Comments
by DavidofLancas
Saturday, February 02 2013, 11:04AM
“I agree. Luke has served his time and never once denied his culpability. Society sets the standards of punishment and he has done what was required of him. Whilst the loss of those children is utterly tragic he should not be denied the opportunity to rebuild his life. I know there are those who say say that family can't have their children back but that doesn't mean Luke should not be able to pursue his professional career. I wish him all the best for the future, on and off the field, and I hope the Argyle fans treat him with respect when he comes back.”
by Wiggys
Saturday, February 02 2013, 8:56AM
“Personally I think many may forgive Luke, think he's served his time and will no be a problem. However there are lunatics out there waiting to make a name for themselves and it wouldn't surprise me if something occurred during this fixture so the police and stewards better be on their guard.”