McCormack formed a central midfield partnership with Nicky Bailey during the 2007–08 season and the pair scored 20 goals between them, with McCormack scoring nine, which included a run of five goals in seven appearances in September 2007. The season ended with a play-off semi-final defeat to Doncaster Rovers, and in June 2008, he signed a new three-year contract. McCormack suffered a knee injury during the 2008–09 pre-season, which kept him out of action for eight weeks. After returning to fitness, he made 38 appearances during the season, scoring two goals. McCormack played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup third round on 3 January 2009, but missed the replay, which Southend lost 4–1.