Duncan McKenzie (10 August 1912 – 1987) was a Scottish professional footballer who made over 150 appearances in the Football League for Brentford as a right half. He was capped by Scotland at international level.

Career

Albion Rovers A centre half, McKenzie began his career at Scottish Second Division club Albion Rovers. He was an ever-present for Rovers during the 1931–32 season and departed the club at the end of the campaign.

Brentford McKenzie moved to England and transferred to Third Division South club Brentford for a £350 fee during the 1932 off-season. His career at Griffin Park started slowly and he made just two appearances during the 1932–33 Third Division South title-winning season and then only 12 during the following season in the Second Division. After moving to the right half position, McKenzie broke into the team during the 1934–35 season, making 31 appearances and picking up the first silverware of his career when the Bees won promotion to the First Division as Second Division champions. He made regular appearances in Brentford's first spell in the top flight, before new signing Buster Brown in 1938 caused McKenzie to ask for a transfer. McKenzie made 161 appearances and scored 10 goals during his six years with the Bees. He was posthumously inducted into the Brentford Hall of Fame in November 2024.

Middlesbrough McKenzie transferred to First Division club Middlesbrough in May 1938 for a £6,000 fee. He made 28 appearances before his professional career was ended by the breakout of the Second World War the following year.

Return to Brentford McKenzie returned to Brentford as a guest during the Second World War and made over 150 appearances. The highlight of his time back at Griffin Park was winning the 1942 London War Cup at Wembley Stadium. In 1945, McKenzie also made five appearances in all competitions as a guest for Chelmsford City.Steven Garner & David Selby (2001) Wheel 'em in: The Official History of Chelmsford City Football Club

International career McKenzie's form in the First Division for Brentford led to a call up to the Scotland national team for a British Home Championship match versus Ireland on 10 November 1937. Included in the lineup with Brentford teammate and fellow debutant Bobby Reid, McKenzie helped the Scots to a 1–1 draw at Pittodrie.

Personal life After the war, McKenzie emigrated to the US and lived in San Diego. McKenzie's nephew Hamish was also a professional footballer and followed in his footsteps by signing for Brentford in 1964.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAlbion Rovers1929–30Scottish Second Division3100311930–31Scottish Second Division250202701931–32Scottish Second Division38630416Total66750717Brentford1932–33Third Division South2000201933–34Second Division110101201934–35Second Division300103101935–36First Division381103911936–37First Division425204451937–38First Division31420334Total154107016110Middlesbrough1938–39First Division28100281Career total2481812026018

Honours Brentford Football League Second Division: 1934–35 London War Cup: 1941–42 Individual

Brentford Hall of Fame

References