Bristol Rovers marquee signing’s ‘honest’ conversation with AFC Wimbledon boss

AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson has outlined how Luke McCormick’s departure to Bristol Rovers unfolded.

McCormick rejoined the Gas earlier this week for an undisclosed fee, making him the seventh signing of the summer.

The 23-year-old had been at Plough Lane for a year having joined permanent from Chelsea, but was unable to stop them being relegated from League One.

He netted seven goals and also assisted seven times but under Mark Robinson and then Mark Bowen, the London side were relegated.

The appointment of former Charlton Athletic manager Johnnie Jackson this summer was made in the hope of returning to the third tier.

However, McCormick did not play under the ex-Addicks boss, sitting out of the opening few games of the season.

As a result, he is not expected to make his debut against Shrewsbury Town as revealed by assistant coach Andy Mangan as the player earns his fitness.

“The boy [McCormick] made it clear he didn’t see a future at Wimbledon,” Jackson said to the South London Press.

“I’m building a squad of lads and I talk all the time about character -that I need the right people behind what I’m doing. “He never caused me any issue and we had a civil and honest conversation.

“He just felt he couldn’t get behind what I was doing and saw his future elsewhere. “With that in mind I made the decision I wasn’t going to involve people who don’t want to be here.

“No-one is bigger than the club and that’s the way I decided to deal with it. “If you don’t want to play for the club then it is best we find a resolution the works for everybody and that’s what we managed to do.”

The sale of McCormick had a domino effect as it allowed former Rovers midfielder Harry Pell to make his return to Wimbledon.

Pell, who had an albeit short spell in the 2010/11 season, was bought by Wimbledon from Rovers’ divisional rivals Accrington Stanley.

“Luke going allowed us to bring Harry in,” said Jackson. “We’ll see if that allows us to do any more, we’re not sure yet.

“He is experienced and brings physicality. He was someone I was really keen to add to my squad.”