58-goal ex-Leeds United striker makes Yorkshire return with ninth-tier side aged 40
The former Leeds United striker also played for Rangers, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
Former Leeds United striker Ross McCormack is back in Yorkshire after joining ninth-tier outfit Knaresborough Town.
McCormack spent four years at Leeds, having joined from Cardiff City in August 2010. The Scottish striker netted 58 goals in 158 games for the Whites, including a prolific final campaign at Elland Road with 28 strikes in 46 Championship appearances.
That earned McCormack an £11million move to Fulham where he scored 42 goals in 100 games before joining Aston Villa. The 13-cap Scotland international also had spells at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest before moving to Australia and then back to his home country.
McCormack continued playing well into his 30s across the non-league pyramid, most recently signing for Caledonian Amateur Football League Premier Division club Giffnock North AAC last month. But just a few weeks later, he’s been on the move again.
Knaresborough Town confirmed the signing of McCormack, now 40, on Tuesday evening. A statement posted on the club’s X account read: “We’re delighted to welcome Ross McCormack to Knaresborough Town.
“The experienced striker joins with an incredible career behind him, having represented Rangers, Leeds United and Aston Villa. Welcome to the club, Ross!”
Speaking to BBC Radio York following confirmation of his arrival, McCormack said: “I’m here to help, whether that be on the pitch or off it. But first and foremost, I want to enjoy it. You don’t get to my age going through a hard career and then not be able to enjoy playing football.
“Every goal you score, I just can’t explain the feeling. To get that back… I went to Liversedge and Doncaster City but I was 19 kilograms heavier [than now]. I was never going to play, I was nowhere near fit enough.
“When you stop playing and you're not happy with how your career ended - and I believe it wasn’t my decision to retire basically, I got retired - you just fall out of love with the game. You start eating, you start drinking, you fall into a bit of depression and you put weight on.
“It becomes a hard cycle to break. I think I’ve done that now. I’m training, I’m a lot fitter and definitely a lot happier. I want to play for as long as I possibly can. Who knows what age that will be?”
Knaresborough Town currently play their football in the ninth-tier Northern Counties East League (NCEL) Premier Division. They are currently seventh in the league with 13 points from seven matches.
Even at 40 years old, McCormack will hope to add goals upfront in the NCEL Premier Division while Knaresborough might also be eyeing an increase in matchday attendances. The town and neighbouring Harrogate are home to a huge number of Leeds fans who could be tempted to see their former striker in action.