Ahead of our home game versus Witton Albion today, we have heard some very sad news overnight - the passing of one of our former managers, Mike Mckenzie.
Mike was manager of Trafford FC from just after Christmas 2002 until the mid-point of the following season, 2003-04.
As a player he had a distinguished career in local football as a midfielder. After retiring from playing, Mike’s managerial career took off at the amateur side Astro FC in the late 1980’s. Astro swept all before them at Sunday League level, winning many honours in their league and beyond. This success led to Mike being given the job at Winsford United in the Unibond NPL 1st Division. After leading Winsford to promotion to the NPL Premier Division, Mike took on the Hyde United job in 1994 (following a short spell at Witton Albion) and after spending seven years in charge at Ewen Fields, Mike could count three Manchester Premier Cups, a Cheshire Cup, an NPL Cup, and a Peter Swales Shield amongst his trophies. Hyde also reached the 1st round proper of the FA Cup, and two FA Trophy semi-finals under his leadership.
After leaving Hyde in 2001, McKenzie was handed the Trafford job at a difficult time for the club. Struggling on and off the pitch, it was a transitional period for the club and a difficult job for anyone to walk into. Mike departed Shawe View after just under a year in the hot seat. There was no doubting however, his hard work and commitment to trying to turn things round.
Mckenzie later returned to being in charge of an all-conquering amateur side: Moss Side FC, who won the Manchester Sunday League for ten successive years whilst picking up a number of NW Sunday Champions League titles. Alongside this, his work in coaching young players and inspiring young people in his community, has been exemplary for many years.
It is with great sadness that we learn of his passing, and the Club sends its condolences to Mike’s family and friends.
(Picture from Hyde United FC)