Leyton Orient have unveiled Alan McCormack as a new first team coach according to the club’s official website, making the switch from Luton Town.
McCormack had been on the Hatters’ coaching staff for the last three seasons, previously working with the club’s under-13s and then under-18s prior to taking on the role of set piece coach last term, when Luton were in England’s top flight.
He’d become quite a familiar face at Kenilworth Road, having previously played for the Hatters between 2017 and 2019. During that time, he’d win back-to-back promotions as the Bedfordshire based side ascended from the fourth tier up to the Championship. Following their 18th placed finish in the Premier League last season, they’ll be dropping back to the second tier after a season away yet will have high aspirations for next term.
Much like when he joined Luton during his playing days, McCormack now joins a club on the up in a coaching role, that being Leyton Orient. Following on from their title-winning 2022/23 season in League Two, there were questions as to whether the O’s would be able to deal with the step-up in class. Those questions were however firmly put to bed, with Orient finishing the season in the top half, occupying 11th place.
Manager Richie Wellens will now want to establish his side in the third tier and prove that last season was no fluke. They’re very much a club on the rise currently under Wellens and the addition of McCormack to his coaching staff further emphasises their current direction.
Speaking to club media upon his arrival at Brisbane Road, McCormack said:
“I’m absolutely delighted. I met Martin (Ling), and everything about the club made absolute sense for me. The club, the fans, the culture and the foundations that are set here were a big thing for me joining.
“I remember playing against Richie and he was technically very good with a great footballing brain. He has a clear identity, and I’ve done a lot of work on how he likes his side to play. I’m looking forward to getting started, pushing players to improve and making sure we are ready for the first game.
“A lot has changed since I was here as a player but I came here as a player for Brentford a few years ago, and I remember the Orient fans creating an unbelievable atmosphere. I know what the fans can bring here, and we’re progressing in the right way.”
Writer’s View
There’s plenty to like about the way that Leyton Orient have gone about their business so far this transfer window both on the pitch but also from a coaching perspective. McCormack is still ascending the coaching ranks, and is a good addition to Wellens’ side. They’ll be targeting another top-half finish in what looks to be a wide-open League One renewal.
As for Luton, McCormack is quite a bit of a loss given how well he knew the club but then again a set-piece coach is a rather replaceable role. Nonetheless the Hatters’ loss is Orient’s gain and he may gain further opportunities during his time at Brisbane Road.
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