Tameside football is mourning the loss of one its legendary managers after the death of Mike McKenzie on Friday.
Best known for his trophy-laden seven years in charge of Hyde United between 1994 and 2001, he also had spells as boss of Winsford United, Witton Albion and Trafford.
McKenzie, who died aged 67 after a short illness, bookended his managerial career by masterminding the success of Sunday League sides, Astro and Moss Side FC.
He led Hyde to the First Round of the FA Cup in his debut season at Ewen Fields, battling through three successive Qualifying Round replays before bowing out 3-1 to Darlington.
More joy came in the FA Trophy, with the Tigers reaching the last four in both 1995 and 1996, coupled with several title challenges in the Northern Premier League.
His Hyde teams won the Manchester Premier Cup three times, the Cheshire Senior Cup, the NPL Cup, the Peter Swales Challenge Shield and the NPL Chairman’s Cup.
“He’s always been a father figure to me,” former Hyde player and current Macclesfield assistant manager, Peter Band, told the Reporter.
McKenzie discovered Band playing for his local team, Bollington FC, signing him after starring in a Sunday League cup final.
“My life changed on May 4th, 1998. Mike sent someone to our changing rooms to have a word with me. I came to the door half naked with a cig hanging out of my mouth, and he said: ‘Mike wants to sign you for Hyde. But you’ll have to stop smoking first.’”
“Everything that came after that is all because of one person. He saw something in me. My brothers are so proud of what I’m doing now – we're all Macc lads – and it all stems from Mike McKenzie taking that chance on me 27 years ago.
“You just think of all the people he has helped who went on to have great careers like Daz Sheridan, Colin Little, Rob Hulse, Simon Yeo and Wayne Collins. I want to carry on that legacy.”
Before taking to the dugout, Mike played in the semi-pro game for Stalybridge Celtic, Droylsden and Northwich Victoria among others.
He was one of the first black semi-pro coaches in the country, with the Football Black List honouring his contribution to sport in the community at an award ceremony in November 2024.
Mike's death follows on from two other ex-Hyde managers, Ged Coyne and Peter Wragg, who died over Christmas.
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