Alan McCormack

Alan McCormack

Born Dublin, Ireland. A right back and midfielder, Alan turned professional at Preston North End in 2003 but rarely made the first team. He was loaned out to Leyton Orient, Motherwell for a season, and Southend United twice before joining the Shrimpers permanently in December 2006. He was a regular in the side but could not prevent Southend’s relegation to League One (3rd tier). He continued to feature in Southend’s first team but could not prevent their relegation to League Two in 2010. He was released from his contract and after 158 games and 17 goals he moved to League One Charlton Athletic.   

Despite a mid table finish, off pitch problems lead to Alan and the club agreeing to terminate his contract. It turned out to be a great decision as Swindon Town gave him a two year deal resulting in 51 appearances, 2 goals, the League Two Championship and the Player of the Season Award. The following season saw Alan made captain and he lead the team to 6th place and a play off place. They lost to Brentford on penalties in the semi final and Alan decided to move on. Alan moved to Brentford on a two year deal in the summer of 2013 and helped them gain promotion to the Championship in his first season. Injuries and suspensions saw him lose his place and just 12 appearances in the 2016/17 season.

Described as "a no-nonsense tough-tackling midfielder who is prepared to put his body in places others wouldn’t” was just what Town manager Nathan Jones wanted and signed him on a one year deal. Other new signings that summer included Elliot Lee, James Collins, Andrew Shinnie and Jack Stacey and James Shea. They made a formidable team that would gain promotion to League One. He began in the first team and scored on his debut in an 8 2 demolition of Yeovil at Kenilworth Road. He was a regular until an injury in September saw him sidelined until March.   

The side were now formidable and strolled League One to win the Championship. Competition for places was fierce which together with a hamstring injury saw Alan play 23 times in all competitions. His contract was not renewed as the Town were promoted to the Championship. Alan moved to Northampton Town on a one year deal and was promoted again, this time via the play offs. Another season was played at Southend United before retirement.

A short spell as assistant manager at Heybridge Swifts saw him come out of retirement to play 3 games when there was a shortage of fit players. He completed his coaching badges and came back to the Town as an Academy coach. A move to Leyton Orient as first team coach followed in 2024.