Dons have no plans to sell player linked with Bristol Rovers return

AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson has insisted that he is not looking to sell Luke McCormick amid reports that Bristol Rovers are interested in bringing the midfielder back to the Memorial Stadium.

The 23-year-old spent the 2020-21 season on loan with Rovers, playing under Joey Barton 16 times during his spell with the club. He scored six goals and recorded two assists.

The Gas won automatic promotion from League Two last season, while the Dons were relegated from the third tier after only picking up six wins during the entire League One season.

“I don’t know anything about the interest,” Jackson told the South London Press. “Obviously, he has played for them before, and he has played under that manager before, so I get why there would be interest. He is a good young player as well. But from our point of view, it’s not in our interest to be selling our better, young players. I want to keep hold of every one of them and build teams around them.

“He’s not a player that I’m looking to get rid of.”

McCormick joined the Dons last season on a free transfer from Chelsea, scoring eight goals and recording nine assists in all competitions during his debut season at Plough Lane.

The 23-year-old finished the season with the most assists for the club in all competitions and was the fourth-highest goalscorer. He predominantly featured just behind the forward line but also demonstrated that he could play a deeper midfield role if needed.

Speaking to our paper prior to the Rovers’ interest in McCormick being reported, Jackson told our paper: “I have spoken with him already. He’s a top player – a top, bright young talent. He’s the type of talent that we need to build our team around and really try to get the best out of.

“He could be a huge player for us this season, using the fuel of last season to kick us on again.

“I know that he has got ambitions of playing higher than this level, so he can be really a part of something to help us be successful and make those steps together.

“He’s obviously one that I am excited to be working with.”

When asked about the conversation he has had with McCormick since taking over as manager, Jackson replied: “We hadn’t spoken before. He has played against my teams, but we have not worked together.

“It was just to touch base really and let him know that I know about him and what I know about him as a player.

“I just let him know a little bit about myself, what I want to do, and my ambitions and plans for the club.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD