Dan Church
McCormick joins from Truro City after he agreed to play for the Conference South club on non-contract terms following his release from prison. McCormick served a three and a half year imprisonment after admitting to killing two children in a car crash back in 2008.
The 29-year-old has been brought in to add competition to United’s goalkeeping ranks, as number one Ryan Clarke is sidelined with a shoulder injury until the end of the campaign and youngster Max Crocombe may be called upon for international duty with his native New Zealand next month.
McCormick made over 100 appearances for the Pilgrims, setting a club record of seven successive clean sheets in the 2003/04 season. The goalie goes straight into United’s squad to face Southend United at the weekend, in which could be his first taste of Football League action for nearly five years.
Manager Chris Wilder understands the situation: “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 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 and make the most of the opportunity.”
The Yellows also strengthened their attacking ranks with the capture of striker Richards. The 32 year-old has been on loan from Burton Albion for the past month to cover for the suspended James Constable. Yesterday his parent club agreed to cancel the remainder of his contract at the Pirelli Stadium and he now joins United as a free agent until May.
The striker was brought in last month and has already featured three times for the Us as he looks to improve the contest for a place in Oxford’s frontline alongside Constable, Tom Craddock and Deane Smalley. With over 400 matches and 100 goals to his name, it looks like a stable and experienced short-term asset for the club.
The former-West Bromwich Albion striker was pleased to sign permanently with the Us. He said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Oxford. It’s the second time I have been here on loan and the players and fans have made me feel very welcome. It is a club that is moving in the right direction and I hope I can play a part in the successful second half of the season.”
Richards arrival paved the way for promising young striker Tyrone Marsh to be loaned out to Staines. The 19-year old striker featured five times this season under boss Wilder, scoring his first senior goal against Southend United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. He joins Marcus Gayle’s side until the end of the season and could feature in their Blue Square Bet South encounter with Bath City on Saturday.
Wilder explained; “Ty’s done well in and around the squad, but we need to see him go and play regular games.”
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