Bristol Rovers confirm return of midfielder Luke McCormick on three-year deal

Bristol Rovers have confirmed that midfielder Luke McCormick has returned to the club on a three-year deal.

The 23-year-old has joined The Gas for an undisclosed fee from AFC Wimbledon - just over a year after his loan spell with the club ended.

McCormick began his career with Chelsea but failed to force his way into the first team set-up and was subsequently sent out to Rovers for the 2020-21 season.

The midfielder scored six goals in 39 appearances in League One but fans were left disappointed when he joined Wimbledon permanently last summer.

After bagging seven goals and seven assists for the London club last season, their relegation to League Two allowed The Gas to snap up McCormick once again.

When asked about his return to the Memorial Stadium, McCormick said: “It feels amazing. I’m delighted to be back.

“My time here was personally a brilliant one that ended in disaster. Obviously not being able to play in front of the fans and then being relegated. To be back during the spot the club is in and where the gaffer, his staff and the players have put the club in is immense and I’m excited to be a part of that and really kick on and show the love back to the fans.”

McCormick had already joined Rovers for the first time before Joey Barton arrived at the club, but the Chelsea academy product made a huge impact on the former Newcastle United midfielder.

Barton said: “There were few positives to come out of my first few months at Rovers and the relegation into League Two, but without doubt Luke McCormick was one. “

His effort and ability were clear to see when throughout that period he gave everything for our course in a tough time. I’m delighted to be able to bring him back to Rovers permanently.

“We are keen to sign good people and good players and he is both. He will be a superb addition to our group.

“I’m really pleased to welcome Luke back to Rovers. It doesn’t seem to be a secret that we’ve been keen to bring him back to Rovers for some time.

“He’s an exciting talent and a great character and I’m sure the Gasheads will agree that it’s been worth the wait. I’m looking forward to watching him in the Blue and White Quarters as a permanent member of our team!”

McCormick could make his second debut for Rovers as they host another of his former sides Shrewsbury Town this weekend.