Alan McCormack
Chigwell,Essex
Summary
UEFA A Licence coach and former professional with 19 years playing experience across the EFL, representing nine clubs in high-performance environments. A key leader within dressing rooms, I contributed to five promotions in eight years, developing a strong understanding of standards, resilience, and winning culture. As a coach, I apply this experience within a structured, development-focused framework aligned to Academy football. I am passionate about supporting young players in their development, bridging the gap between academy and senior football through clear individual development plans, tactical education, and psychological preparation. I am committed to creating disciplined, high-performance environments that demand accountability and growth, preparing players to transition successfully into First Team football.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
1st Team Coach
Leyton Orient FC
Luton
2024.07 - 2026.02
- Delivered and implemented First Team training sessions aligned to the manager’s game model.
- Led detailed opposition analysis to inform weekly tactical periodisation and match planning.
- Contributed to structured game plans and player learning outcomes.
- Integrated video analysis and performance data into training methodology.
- Developed strong leadership skills, resulting in a more proactive team.
1st Team Set Piece Coach
Luton Town FC
Luton
2023.07 - 2024.06
- Supported attacking and defensive set-piece strategy in a Premier League environment.
- Delivered opposition analysis and statistical reporting to coaching staff.
- Contributed to 15 league goals from set plays (Joint 3rd overall; 12.05 xG).
- Designed structured training practices to improve first contact and second-phase efficiency.
U18 Lead Coach
Luton Town FC
Luton
2022.07 - 2023.06
- Led full-time scholars in technical, tactical, physical, and psychological development.
- Won Merit League Southeast Division & Merit League 1.
- Reached FA Youth Cup 5th Round.
- 11 players offered professional contracts.
- 4 First Team Debuts and 2 Premier League debuts.
Assistant Manager
Heybridge Swifts
Heybridge, Essex
2021.09 - 2022.06
- Assisted in First Team planning, session design, and tactical preparation.
- Developed match strategies within condensed preparation schedules.
U13 Lead Coach/Assistant U21 Coach
Luton Town FC
Luton
2021.09 - 2022.06
- Led U13 programme within 11v11 transition phase.
- Delivered holistic development aligned to the FA 4 Corner Model.
- Assisted U21 programme (training & matchdays), supporting transition towards First Team football.
U15/U16 Coach
Northampton Town FC
Northampton, Northamptonshire
2019.01 - 2020.01
- Delivered coaching as part of UEFA A & B Licence coursework while continuing my playing career.
B Team & U18 Coach
Brentford FC
Brentford
2014.01 - 2016.01
- Delivered coaching as part of UEFA A & B Licence coursework while continuing playing career.
Education
MSc - Sport Directorship
UCFB
Manchester 09/2021 - 07/2023
Skills
- Individual Development Planning (IDPs)
- Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Alignment
- Player Transition (U18–U21–First Team)
- Tactical Periodisation
- Set Piece Strategy & Analysis
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Performance Data Integration
- Leadership & Culture Development
Certification
- UEFA A Licence
- UEFA B Licence
- Advanced Youth Award (Final Assignment Pending)
- FA Youth Award
- FA Level 2 Coaching in Football
- FA Talent Identification Level 1
- Futsal Level 1
- Stats Bomb – Coaching & Analysing Set Pieces
- Introduction to Football Analytics
- FA Safeguarding Children
- Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAF)
References
- Rob, Edwards, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC 1st Team Manager, Contact details can be obtained in due course
- Martin, Ling, Director of Football, Leyton Orient FC, Contact details can be obtained in due course
Honours
League 2 Winner 2011-2012 Swindon Town FC, League 1 Runner up 2013-2014 Brentford FC, League 2 Runner up 2017-2018 Luton Town FC, League 1 Winner 2018-2019 Luton Town FC, League 2 Play-off Winner 2019-2020 Northampton Town FC, Goal of the season – 2007 - Southend United FC, Player of the year 2011/2012 - Swindon Town FC. 2013/2014 - Brentford FC, Goal of the Month - Sept 2017- Luton Town FC
My Coaching Philosophy
- Values
- Hardworking, highly motivated, and passionate leader
- Work, at all times, with dignity and integrity
- Be confident, a strong communicator and be approachable
- Maintain high standards at all times.
- Vision
- Develop winning teams and players while playing an attractive and attacking style of football
- Play with a high intensity. This starts with defending, aggressive pressing to win the ball back quickly for fast counter attacks
- Hard work will be the core value throughout the team
- The team and players must buy into the philosophy as it is vital to being successful
- Objectives
- To develop technically creative and tactically intelligent players
- Ball retention is vital – we must own the ball
- Retain v Risk – style of play must have forward momentum
- High intensity press – out of possession, the work rate needs to be immense to regain possession
- Quick transitions in play – deploy fast breaking attacks
- The Finishing Touch – have players with the vision and technique to play a killer pass
- Clinical Finishing – must be cool and composed in front of goal
- Core Value – Hard Work. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”
Playing Career
- 530 Career appearances
- 5 Promotions
- Preston North End FC - 2002-2006 - Apps 12
- Leyton Orient FC (Loan) -2003 - Apps 11
- Southend United FC (Loan) - 2005 - Apps 8
- Motherwell FC (Loan) - 2005-2006 - Apps 28
- Southend United FC - 2006-2010 - Apps 158
- Charlton Athletic FC - 2010-2011 - Apps 31
- Swindon Town FC - 2011-2013 - Apps 98
- Brentford FC - 2013-2017 - Apps 104
- Luton Town FC-2017 - 2019 - Apps 39
- Northampton Town FC - 2019-2020 - Apps 21
- Southend United FC - 2020 - 2021 - Apps 20
Play off Semi-Finalists
- Southend United 2007-2008
- Brentford FC - 2014-2015
Timeline
1st Team Coach
Leyton Orient FC
2024.07 - 2026.02
1st Team Set Piece Coach
Luton Town FC
2023.07 - 2024.06
U18 Lead Coach
Luton Town FC
2022.07 - 2023.06
Assistant Manager
Heybridge Swifts
2021.09 - 2022.06
U13 Lead Coach/Assistant U21 Coach
Luton Town FC
2021.09 - 2022.06
U15/U16 Coach
Northampton Town FC
2019.01 - 2020.01
B Team & U18 Coach
Brentford FC
2014.01 - 2016.01
MSc - Sport Directorship
UCFB
09/2021 - 07/2023