Duncan McKenzie
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other people of the same name, see also Duncan McKenzie (writer) and Duncan McKenzie (murderer).
| Duncan McKenzie | ||
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Duncan McKenzie | |
| Date of birth | June 10, 1950 | |
| Place of birth | Grimsby, England | |
| Playing position | Striker | |
| Senior clubs1 | ||
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1969–1974 1969-1970 1972-1973 1974-1976 1976 1976-1978 1978-1979 1978-1981 1981 1982 |
Nottingham Forest → Mansfield Town (loan) → Mansfield Town (loan) Leeds United Anderlecht Everton Chelsea Blackburn Rovers Tulsa Roughnecks Chicago Sting |
111 (41) 10 (3) 6 (7) 66 (27) 30 (16) 48 (14) 15 (4) 74 (16) 31 (14) 20 (3) |
|
1 Senior club appearances and goals |
||
Duncan McKenzie (b. 10 June 1950, Grimsby, England) is an ex-footballer who played for a number of clubs as a striker in the 1970s, notably Everton and Leeds United.
McKenzie was signed from Nottingham Forest by Brian Clough during his 44 day reign as manager of Leeds, and was the only one of his signings to subsequently flourish at the club. Initially, he attracted media attention for his achievements outside of the game, which included the ability to jump over a parked car, and to throw a golf ball the length of a football pitch. However, once established in the Leeds side, he soon attracted attention for the quality of his footballing skills; in the 1975-76 season he established himself as Allan Clarke’s striking partner, and scored 16 goals in 39 matches.
McKenzie was a sublimely talented individual, capable of running rings around the most astute of defenders. However, despite his skills, he could be an immensely frustrating player to play with; whilst he reserved his finest moments for big games, he was often anonymous against lesser opposition. It was this inconsistency that caused him to be sold to Belgian side Anderlecht at the end of the 1975-76 season, but he returned to England in December 1976 when he signed for Everton.
Unfortunately for McKenzie, the manager who signed him – Billy Bingham - was sacked and replaced by Gordon Lee just a month later. McKenzie and Lee had their differences, with the result that McKenzie didn't have as free a role as would have suited him. This led to his departure from Everton, but not before he had turned in some admirable performances – a notable game being the 1977 FA Cup semi-final v Liverpool.
In September 1978 he joined Chelsea where, much like the rest of his career, he dazzled the fans with his skills and eccentricity but still failed to make the most of his talents. He left the club less than a year later having made just 16 appearances and scored four goals.
In 1981, he spent a single season, his last as a professional footballer, with the Tulsa Roughnecks of the North American Soccer League.
Since retiring from the game, McKenzie has worked as a newspaper columnist, as well as becoming an after-dinner speaker. He was the immediate replacement for Danny Baker on Radio Five's 606 programme.
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| NAME | McKenzie, Duncan |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | |
| SHORT DESCRIPTION | English ex-footballer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 10 June 1950 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Grimsby, England |
| DATE OF DEATH | |
| PLACE OF DEATH | |
