Jon Macken
Encyclopedia
Jonathan Paul "Jon" Macken (born 7 September 1977 in Blackley
, Manchester
) is an English
-born Irish
footballer who plays as a striker and currently plays for League One Walsall
. He has one international cap for the Republic of Ireland
.
and signed professional in 1996, but never played a first-team game for them and left on 22 July 1997 in a £250,000 move to Preston North End
in 1997 where he scored over 70 goals, twice winning the Player of the Year
award. Following this success, Macken moved into the Premiership with a transfer to Manchester City
in February 2002, for a fee of £5,000,000. He is most remembered at City for scoring the dramatic winner in the epic comeback win against Spurs
in the 2003/04 FA Cup.
However, he was severely hampered by a succession of injuries, and only made 27 league starts in over three years. This downturn in his career brought about a move away from Manchester and Macken joined Crystal Palace
in the summer of 2005 for £1,100,000.
. An injury to Johnson gave him a chance, initially, but then he himself got injured. His own replacement, Dougie Freedman
showed good form, and despite a recovery from injury, Macken did not get back in the team.
However, things turned upwards from there. Poor form by Morrison in the run-up to the Christmas period gave Macken his chance, and he scored his first competitive goal for Palace in the game at Coventry City
, on 14 October 2005 (he had previously scored in a pre-season friendly), and scored again on 26 December, at Ipswich Town
, although he was later sent off.
More injuries then continued to limit his chances, and the partnership with Johnson continued to alternate between Morrison and Dougie Freedman, with many fans voicing their discontent that Macken was not living up to his price-tag. Johnson was sold to Everton
, prompting the return of Sándor Torghelle
to the club from his loan at Panathinaikos, creating speculation that Macken may be leaving the club, but the appointment of Peter Taylor
as manager appeared to silence this. Taylor, a known fan of Macken, was reportedly trying to sign him for Hull
, while he was in charge there.
Torghelle left permanently for Greece, but again his playing opportunities were limited. On deadline-day of the Summer 2006 transfer window, he made a further move to Ipswich Town
in The Championship
, this time on loan, being handed the number 27 shirt. The loan was finally agreed when Ipswich agreed to pay an increased proportion of his wages. Macken scored three goals for the Tractor Boys before returning to Selhurst Park
.
on a free transfer. Derby were promoted to the Premier League at the end of the 2006–07
season, but he failed to win a regular place, or even score for The Rams, and was loaned out to Championship
side Barnsley
for two months in November 2007. Although he was recalled on 27 December 2007 he eventually signed a permanent deal with the Tykes on 28 January 2008 for an undisclosed six-figure fee.
. He made his debut against the club that made his name, Preston North End
. He remained goalless for his first nine games, despite having produced a string of fine performances. On 22 December, he scored his first Barnsley goal against promotion chasing Bristol City
after a fine run and shot.
The goals were flowing for Macken and he notched a brace against Stoke City
on 36 December. First a header from a Martin Devaney
corner. His second goal came courtesy of a Kayode Odejayi
knock-down from another Devaney cross. He then returned to Derby after Paul Jewell
took over.
He made a couple of sub appearances for the Rams but his inevitable return to Barnsley was secured on 28 January 2008 for £200,000.
The next day, he marked his return with a fine finish in the home game with Colchester United
. He bagged the second goal in a 2–1 win over West Bromwich Albion
on 9 February and he was again on the scoresheet as the Reds thrashed Ipswich Town
on 11 March.
He was released by Barnsley after the 2009–10 season and left when his contract expired in June.
earning him self one cap. Macken then went on to represents the Republic of Ireland
at full international level were he received one cap in 2004.
Blackley
Blackley is an area of the city of Manchester, in Greater Manchester, England. It is north of Manchester city centre, by a meander of the River Irk. Further north is Middleton...
, Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
) is an English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
-born Irish
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
footballer who plays as a striker and currently plays for League One Walsall
Walsall F.C.
Walsall Football Club are an English association football club based in Walsall, West Midlands. They currently play in League One. The club was founded in 1888 as Walsall Town Swifts, an amalgamation of Walsall Town F.C. and Walsall Swifts F.C. The club was one of the founder members of the Second...
. He has one international cap for the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
.
Early career
Macken began his career at Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
and signed professional in 1996, but never played a first-team game for them and left on 22 July 1997 in a £250,000 move to Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
in 1997 where he scored over 70 goals, twice winning the Player of the Year
Preston North End Player of the Year Award Winners
Winners of the official Preston North End F.C. Player of the Year Award since its inception in 1967–68:...
award. Following this success, Macken moved into the Premiership with a transfer to Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
in February 2002, for a fee of £5,000,000. He is most remembered at City for scoring the dramatic winner in the epic comeback win against Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
in the 2003/04 FA Cup.
However, he was severely hampered by a succession of injuries, and only made 27 league starts in over three years. This downturn in his career brought about a move away from Manchester and Macken joined Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
in the summer of 2005 for £1,100,000.
Crystal Palace
Initially, Macken did not get into the Palace team, and was behind England international Andrew Johnson and Republic of Ireland International Clinton MorrisonClinton Morrison
Clinton Hubert Morrison is an English-born professional footballer who plays for Milton Keynes Dons, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday...
. An injury to Johnson gave him a chance, initially, but then he himself got injured. His own replacement, Dougie Freedman
Dougie Freedman
Douglas "Dougie" Freedman is a Scottish former professional football player who played as a striker. He is currently manager at Championship club Crystal Palace, where he spent ten of his sixteen years as a player.-Barnet:...
showed good form, and despite a recovery from injury, Macken did not get back in the team.
However, things turned upwards from there. Poor form by Morrison in the run-up to the Christmas period gave Macken his chance, and he scored his first competitive goal for Palace in the game at Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
, on 14 October 2005 (he had previously scored in a pre-season friendly), and scored again on 26 December, at Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
, although he was later sent off.
More injuries then continued to limit his chances, and the partnership with Johnson continued to alternate between Morrison and Dougie Freedman, with many fans voicing their discontent that Macken was not living up to his price-tag. Johnson was sold to Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
, prompting the return of Sándor Torghelle
Sándor Torghelle
Sándor Torghelle is a Hungarian footballer, who is currently playing for Budapest Honvéd FC.- Career :He spent one season playing for Crystal Palace F.C., after being signed from MTK Hungária in August 2004 for a fee of roughly £750,000...
to the club from his loan at Panathinaikos, creating speculation that Macken may be leaving the club, but the appointment of Peter Taylor
Peter John Taylor
Peter John Taylor is an English football manager and former player and current head coach of the Bahrain national football team...
as manager appeared to silence this. Taylor, a known fan of Macken, was reportedly trying to sign him for Hull
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
, while he was in charge there.
Torghelle left permanently for Greece, but again his playing opportunities were limited. On deadline-day of the Summer 2006 transfer window, he made a further move to Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
in The Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, this time on loan, being handed the number 27 shirt. The loan was finally agreed when Ipswich agreed to pay an increased proportion of his wages. Macken scored three goals for the Tractor Boys before returning to Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is an English football stadium located in the London suburb of South Norwood in the Borough of Croydon. It is the current home ground of Crystal Palace Football Club. Its present capacity is 26,309.-History:...
.
Derby County
On 31 January 2007 Macken joined Derby CountyDerby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
on a free transfer. Derby were promoted to the Premier League at the end of the 2006–07
2006-07 in English football
The 2006–07 season was the 127th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* The number of divisions at Level 8 of the English football league system increased from four to five...
season, but he failed to win a regular place, or even score for The Rams, and was loaned out to Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
side Barnsley
Barnsley F.C.
Barnsley Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Nicknamed the Tykes, they were founded in 1887 under the name Barnsley St. Peter's...
for two months in November 2007. Although he was recalled on 27 December 2007 he eventually signed a permanent deal with the Tykes on 28 January 2008 for an undisclosed six-figure fee.
Barnsley
Macken initially joined Barnsley on 1 November 2007, on loan from Derby CountyDerby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
. He made his debut against the club that made his name, Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
. He remained goalless for his first nine games, despite having produced a string of fine performances. On 22 December, he scored his first Barnsley goal against promotion chasing Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
after a fine run and shot.
The goals were flowing for Macken and he notched a brace against Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
on 36 December. First a header from a Martin Devaney
Martin Devaney
Martin Thomas Devaney is an English football midfielder who plays for Tranmere Rovers. Born of Irish parents, Devaney has played for the Republic of Ireland under-16s.-Career:...
corner. His second goal came courtesy of a Kayode Odejayi
Kayode Odejayi
Olukayode "Kayode" Odejayi is a Nigerian international footballer. He currently plays for Colchester United as a striker.-Club career:Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Odejayi started his career as a trainee at Bristol City...
knock-down from another Devaney cross. He then returned to Derby after Paul Jewell
Paul Jewell
Paul Steven Jewell is a former English footballer who is currently the manager of Ipswich Town.His playing career started with Liverpool before moving to Wigan Athletic and then a ten-year spell with Bradford City...
took over.
He made a couple of sub appearances for the Rams but his inevitable return to Barnsley was secured on 28 January 2008 for £200,000.
The next day, he marked his return with a fine finish in the home game with Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
. He bagged the second goal in a 2–1 win over West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
on 9 February and he was again on the scoresheet as the Reds thrashed Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
on 11 March.
He was released by Barnsley after the 2009–10 season and left when his contract expired in June.
Walsall
On 19 August 2010, League One club Walsall signed Macken on a one-year deal with the option of a further year.International
Macken has represented the England U-20 team at the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship1997 FIFA World Youth Championship
The 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship was the 11th staging of the FIFA World Youth Championship. It was held from June 16 to July 5, 1997 in Malaysia.-Venues:-Qualification:The following 24 teams qualified for the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship...
earning him self one cap. Macken then went on to represents the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
at full international level were he received one cap in 2004.
External links
- Jon Macken profile at barnsleyfc.co.uk