Ex-Bristol Rovers midfielder confirms transfer to new club in bid to reignite career after release
A former Bristol Rovers star has completed a summer transfer following his recent release by the Pirates.
Bristol Rovers are adjusting to life back in League Two after a disappointing relegation campaign in 2024/25 which saw the Pirates relegated after nine defeats in their final 10 fixtures in League One.
While relegation was narrow and was a difficult pill to swallow, the club have taken the chance to rebuild over the summer ahead of aiming to challenge for an instant return to the third tier, just as was achieved on Rovers’ last relegation in 2021. Defeat at home to Harrogate Town on the opening day was far from the ideal start to the new campaign.
Darrell Clarke took over for his second spell in charge of the Gas after masterminding two successive promotions during his first spell at the club in the 2010s. The former Barnsley and Port Vale manager will hope to bounce back from opening-day defeat and ride a wave of optimism, possibly led by some of Bristol Rovers’ famous fans, to another promotion this campaign. Jack Sparkes has been brought in from Peterborough in a smart free signing, while former Chelsea starlet Josh McEachran has arrived from Oxford United in a busy summer.
Former Bristol Rovers star completes move
Luke McCormick has completed a move to Yeovil Town in the National League on a free transfer, after his release by the Pirates following relegation. He had previously spent time on trial with Yeovil over the summer.
McCormick came through the Chelsea academy and spent a significant period of his career so far in Bristol after joining from AFC Wimbledon in 2022. The 26-year-old midfielder struck 13 goals in 118 appearances for Rovers, featuring for the Pirates in League One for four years including a fruitful loan spell during his time on the books at Stamford Bridge.
McCormick went out on loan to National League side Forest Green Rovers in January but made just five appearances before returning to the Gas, who ultimately released him at the termination of the season. His search for a new club has now completed with his arrival at Yeovil on a one-year deal. The Glovers finished 18th last season following promotion from the National League South and will hope the experience of McCormick can help inspire them to a rise up the table in the new campaign.
‘Delighted’ - Yeovil manager on McCormick signing
Speaking to the official club website, Yeovil manager Mark Cooper said: “Luke is a really intelligent footballer who brings a lot of quality in possession. He’s got great energy and a good understanding of the game at this level. We’re delighted to have him on board.”
The club added in the report: “Known for his tenacity, vision, and ability to drive forward with the ball, McCormick adds further competition and quality to Mark Cooper’s midfield options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Everyone at Yeovil Town welcomes Luke to Huish Park and looks forward to seeing him in green and white this season.”
Posted to his X account, McCormick previously expressed his gratitude to Bristol Rovers fans after he completed his loan move to Forest Green in January. This followed what would ultimately prove to be his last appearances for the Gas.
He said: “All the best for the second half of the season, more than enough in that changing room to have a strong second half of the campaign! To the Gasheads, thank you.”