Milton Keynes Dons Football Club can today (Friday) confirm Gary MacKenzie has completed a permanent transfer to Blackpool.
MacKenzie has signed a two-year-deal, with a further one-year option, at Bloomfield Road for an undisclosed fee with immediate effect.
The 27-year-old joined the Dons in 2010 and made 79 appearances over a three-year spell. During that time he became an extremely powerful weapon for the men from MK1 and his towering size did not detract from his strong-football ability.
Injuries and suspensions ultimately cost MacKenzie the chance to reach a century of appearances in Dons colours, but he was still a key part in two play-off campaigns. He was also called into the Scotland squad on a number of occasions, yet did not manage to feature for his national side.
with great pedigree having come through the Glasgow Rangers academy before reaching the Old Firm giants’ first team. After two years as a professional with his beloved Rangers the Scotsman moved to Dundee, at the time managed by Alex Rae, to seek out regular first team football.mkstadiumMacKenzie arrived at
Rae soon became a huge influence on MacKenzie’s career and identified him as a target for the Dons when he was assistant to then-MK Dons boss Paul Ince.
While Ince left his position with the Dons before the 2010/11 season started, MacKenzie remained on the former England captain’s radar and once at the helm of Blackpool he swooped for the centre-back to join Pool on loan towards the backend of last season.
When MacKenzie linked up with Blackpool in March he made a big impression at Bloomfield Road, becoming a regular first team player and scoring two goals in 12 appearances as the Seasiders cemented their place in the Championship for the forthcoming season.
Dons boss Karl Robinson said: “Gary has been a tremendous servant to this Football Club and has matured both on and off the pitch during his time in Milton Keynes. When he initially made the loan move to Blackpool we all knew he would be a success and his performances warranted the interest we have had in him over the summer.
“Credit to Gary though, he has trained like a true professional with us over the last week despite knowing in the back of his mind that his future may lie elsewhere. It is not in this Club’s nature to stand in the way of a player’s own personal progression and the opportunity to play in the Championship, and perhaps get the Scotland cap that currently eludes him, is too good to turn down.”
in the future. mkstadiumEveryone at Milton Keynes Dons would like to thank Gary for his hard work and commitment throughout his time with the Club. We wish him the best of luck at Blackpool and look forward to welcoming him back to
