FRED MCKENZIE

Born: 13 November 1903

Came from: Newport County   Went to: Newport County

First game: 27 February 1926   Last game: 14 April 1934

Appearances: 214 (214/0)   Goals: 13

Born in Lochee in the west of Dundee, McKenzie started his career with Scottish junior side Lochee United before joining Newport County, for whom he played 67 times between 1924 and 1925, scoring once. He moved to Home Park, under Bob Jack, because of an emerging financial crisis at Newport. His transfer fee of £1,500 was a record for the Welsh club at the time and helped secure their future.

A leading member of the Argyle team in the second half of the 1920s and a near-permanent member of the Pilgrims' half-back line, McKenzie was not blessed with great pace but, like many slower players, had the footballing brain to compensate.

His signing from Newport was also opportune as fellow defender Jack Pullen suffered a long-term injury not long after his arrival, which, without McKenzie's presence, may have left the club somewhat short. However, defensive cover ended up not being the biggest priority for the 1925-26 season. He played 14 times in that debut campaign and presumably enjoyed some quieter spells at the back, given the club finished as leading scorers in the Football League with 107 goals from 42 games.

The 1927-28 season was probably his finest for the club, as he played in all 43 league and cup games. Argyle's infamous run of six seasons finishing as runners-up, when only one team was promoted, finally ended, although they finished an even more frustrating third. However, redemption was not too far away. After a fourth-place finish the following season, Argyle finally achieved the first-place finish required for promotion by winning the Division Three (South) title in 1929-30.

McKenzie provided sterling service during nearly nine years at Home Park, making more than 200 appearances and scoring 13 times. He was an early 'Penalty King' at the club, with many of his goals coming from the spot, converting 12 of the 13 penalties he took.

During his time with the club, a bout of blood poisoning also resulted in him having a toe surgically removed, although this clearly did not impede his playing ability.

His time at Argyle came to an end when he was released in 1934, and he returned briefly to Newport County, playing a further 22 times in 1934-35. However, his family had settled in the Plymouth area and he returned to the city after his playing career ended. He worked locally as a publican and continued to follow Argyle's fortunes. Some years later, his son was selected for the England Schools' rugby team while attending school in Devonport.

McKenzie passed away in Plymouth in November 1979, aged 76.