Neil MacKenzie... Who Are Ya?

Age: 31

Date of Birth: 15/04/1976

Born: Birmingham

Height: 6ft 2

Weight: 12 and half stone

Position: Centre Midfield

Previous Clubs: Stoke City, Cambridge United, Kidderminster Harriers, Blackpool, Mansfield Town, Macclesfield Town, Scunthorpe United, Hereford United (loan)

Against Notts: Mackenzie will have great memories of Meadow Lane as his last appearance there came with Macclesfield as the Silkmen trounced Notts 5-0 on January 25 2005. Substituted after 75 minutes, Mackenzie played his part in an impressive Silkmen performance.

Earlier that season he had come off the bench for Mansfield as they defeated Notts 3-1 at Field Mill in one of Gary Mills' final games in charge of the Magpies.

2006/07 campaign record.

Scunthorpe appearances: 25 Goals: 2

Hereford appearances: 7 Goals: 0

Former Mansfield favourite Mackenzie arrives at Meadow Lane with a good lower league reputation.

Failing to make an impact at Cambridge

Having risen through the ranks at Stoke City Mackenzie impressed sufficiently to make 41 appearances over three seasons during which time the Potters were relegated to League One.

The playmaker found himself on the fringes of the sides first season back at that level and in March of 1999 was allowed a loan move to Cambridge United.

Scoring once in three games, the Midlander earnt a permanent deal with the U's shelling out £40,000 for his services.

It proved largely to be a poor move for both player and club with Mackenzie rewarding Cambridge with no goals from 28 appearances, while not illustrating his creative capabilities either.

Mackenzie is said to be a player who can open up defences with intelligent passes while being known for arriving late into the box to force the opposing defences onto the back foot - and he also has a goal in him.

A brief spell at Kidderminster was followed by a move to Blackpool where he saved the Seasiders' from FA Cup embarrassment netting a late home equaliser in a 2-2 draw with non-league Newport County.

Playmaker at Mansfield

Earlier that season he had hit two against Mansfield Town who were so impressed they raced to his signature in time for the start of the 2002-03 season.

Mackenzie has since gone on record suggesting his time at Field Mill was his favourite in football, and it was certainly his most impressive.

With experience of highs and lows behind him, Mackenzie settled in the side under Billy Dearden and became the playmaker in a team that narrowly missed out on playoff success losing only on penalties in the League Two final against Huddersfield Town.

Mackenzie, a substitute that day, came on to score his penalty but it was in vain as the Stags were sent out with new Notts team mates Junior Mendes and Kevin Pilkington also in the team that day.

Pilkington has gone on record stating Mackenzie will be a big signing with Mackenzie, who moved to Macclesfield after a much publicised spat with new Mansfield boss Carlton Palmer over a fine Mackenzie felt was unnecessary, saying he can't wait for the challenge ahead at Notts.

Championship beckoned with Scunthorpe

Upon his signing on May 23 Mackenzie told the Official Site: "It is a big club to be joining and I am glad all of that is out the way and I can look forward to the season now. I feel there are exciting times ahead."

Although being something of a journeyman in recent seasons, he moved to Scunthorpe only a year after his time at Macclesfield, Mackenzie brings with him plenty of enthusiasm and drive aswell as obvious talent.

He played 24 times as Scunthorpe romped to the League One championship and scored two goals including a stunning half-volley from the edge of the box in a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

NCM wish Mackenzie all the best and are sure he will be an integral part of a promotion push next season.