AFC Fylde manager Craig Mahon revealed how his side managed to secure the signing of Yeovil Town’s Luke McCormick, during a recent appearance on the National League Lowdown Podcast.
Despite being in a similar position to the Glovers in the league table, Fylde secured the signing of the talented midfielder on loan, following a fallout between the player and his parent club in the weeks prior.
After an eye-catching start to the season, Yeovil manager Billy Rowley left McCormick out of their clash with Solihull Moors, which began the speculation surrounding all parties and eventually led to his exit from the club.
Fylde manager reveals details behind McCormick transfer
Speaking on the latest episode of the National League Lowdown Podcast, the Irishman addressed several topics ranging from key influences to his team’s transfer policy, which so far has been a key factor behind Fylde’s strong start to the campaign.
Focussing on the transfer element of his role as AFC Fylde manager, Mahon revealed how he didn’t want his team to sign players that are just ‘happy to be here‘, and instead wanted to sign players that ‘had a point to prove‘, which was the case for several players including Aaron Drewe, Greg Olley and Luke McCormick in particular.
With Drewe & Olley, both individuals were without clubs when signing for AFC Fylde. Drewe was a free agent after leaving fellow National League side Woking, whilst Olley had his contract at York City terminated prior to his arrival at the club – but it was the addition of McCormick which caught the attention of fans.
Addressing the signing of the 27-year-old, Mahon stated…
‘We played against him at Yeovil, I know that day we were very good and won 4-1, but I could see his quality and I could see that he would suit us as a player because he’s so technically gifted and that’s what we look for, players that can play football, can play under pressure and receive in tight spaces.
‘Obviously he had the fallout with Yeovil and whatever happened there. I spoke to Luke McCormick on the phone – told him what we’re trying to do here and he said he wants to come here because he feels that he has a point to prove.
‘This is a big move for him and a big challenge because he had to move away from home but he wanted to show everyone that what happened at Yeovil wasn’t him. He wanted to show everyone what sort of footballer he is.’
During the opening weeks of the 2026/27 season, McCormick was a man on a mission for the Glovers, managing to contribute to six goals in his opening eight matches, before he was left out by manager Billy Rowley.
Since making his move to Fylde, the 27-year-old has scored twice in four appearances across all competitions thus far, one against Hartlepool United and the other during an FA Cup victory against Atherton Collieries.
Could Fylde secure a permanent move?
The high-profiled discussions surrounding the McCormick-Yeovil situation is something that could certainly play into AFC Fylde’s hands, should they wish to secure his services on a permanent contract once his current loan agreement comes to an end in January.
Despite issuing a statement on the situation, the reaction from Yeovil fans on social media could suggest that his time with the club is over.
— Luke McCormick (@lukemacca_21) October 5, 2026
He is contracted at Huish Park until June 2028, after agreeing a new two-year deal in January – meaning that he would be the subject of a transfer fee if he were to leave permanently, unless the two parties mutually agree to part ways which given his start to the campaign is unlikely.
However, a permanent transfer would suit all parties involved, whether it was to AFC Fylde or another club. McCormick would get a fresh start away from the club, the buying club would gain a talented attacking midfielder and Yeovil would recoup a transfer fee which they can invest in other areas off their squad to strengthen their own aspirations.
Similarly, AFC Fylde sold Danny Ormerod for an initial fee of £600,000 during the summer – suggesting that they could be in a strong position to sign the 27-year-old permanently should he impress during his loan stint with the club.
The risk of his success for Fylde is that his current agreement is set to expire in January, which would open the door for EFL sides to make moves for the midfielder if his current form continues over the coming weeks.
