Player Focus on Jonny Mackenzie

Jonny Mackenzie gets stuck in on his Fountainbridge debut back in May 2007.

Bridge versatile defender Jonny Mackenzie is the focus of the latest Player Focus for fountainbridgefc.co.uk.

First topic of discussion was the progression of the team since its formation in 2007. As one of the few remaining players from the side who played the first match in May of that year, against Leith Persevere, Jonny knows better than most how far the side has come since then.
"Without a doubt there is a huge difference in the team that played in our first season and the current squad. As well as the vast amounts of comings and goings in the squad, there has been a significant improvement in the team’s mentality. During the first season we were often trailing in the early stages of games and our heads’ would go down. There was no real fight and desire to get back into games. However this season our attitude has been far more positive and on several occasions we’ve come from behind to win and draw games. Our performances in general have also greatly improved with a solid defence, creative and hard working midfield and then Keith upfront, who can score from anywhere apart from the penalty spot. "
 
 
Jonny recently returned froma 4 month exile from the side, and since his return has shown huge improvement in his consistency and overall performances. From an unpredictable full back he has since shown himself to now be a commanding centre back.
"I left the team for a few months due to other commitments and was unfortunately unable to play for the Mighty Bridge. After Christmas though, my circumstances changed and John got in contact with me and invited me back. I returned with long hair and an extra half stone in weight. In my first game back I got M.O.T.M for the first time in Bridge colours. This gave me a lot of confidence which is something I probably lacked previously. I always knew I could perform better which was frustrating and most likely worked against my game. Since coming back I feel that I’m a lot more composed on the ball at the back and I’m enjoying linking up with the midfield and trying through balls. I even managed to net myself a goal since returning. Also another factor in my improved performances is those around me, having a solid back four with Tam, TC, Chris, Bry, and occasionally Lee, Si and Andy has really given the team more stability and helped me greatly."

Jonny grabs his first goal for The Bridge, against Mrs Foremans at the Jack Kane Centre.

There has always been a fun atmosphere at Fountainbridge at training and pre/post match, anmd Jonny has often been labelled as the team joker. When asked if this has always been the case Jonny explains; "Yeah I think it’s important for every team to have its Joker, . . . . . . Batman (TC) and Robin (Tam). Seriously though it’s vital to have a good team spirit and I think we have that at Fountainbridge. We’ve got a good group of lads that like to have a laugh and I enjoy trying to add to that. I have always been someone that messes around but as soon as we kick off our games I’m 100% focussed on playing."
 
 
When quizzed about his favourite game since becoming a Bridge player, Jonny tells us;  
"There is lots of games that I’ve really enjoyed playing in. Just recently our 6-1 victory over Falside was a real highlight. Not just for my wonder goal but the team performance as a whole. Some of the football we played was brilliant and Keith was lethal upfront. Defensively it was another solid performance and the weather just made it a great game to play in. Other moments which stand out for me are my first goal and more importantly the celebration, the M.O.T.M awards I’ve been receiving lately and seeing Marky Boy turn into the Karate Kid when a recent friendly was abandoned."
 
And on the topic of comparing himself to a professional footballer;
"Well with some of my hair doo’s I would have to say Beckham but from a playing point of view I don’t really know. Possibly Maldini, a classy defender who was composed on the ball but not afraid to put a challenge in."
 
Finally we discuss the subject of any expectations the defender may have ahead of the coming season. "I’m really looking forward to the forthcoming season and think we have a chance of doing well. If we bring in a couple new faces, possibly a partner for Keith then I think we can really win something. I wouldn’t say any of the teams we have played against are much ahead of us and the football we play is really starting to come together. From a personal point of view I’m hoping to keep improving and also score a few more goals. Hopefully this will happen as I’m now officially the team’s penalty taker, so get diving boys."

Other Player Focus
Mark Smith
Laurie Dunsire
Ian Fleming
Barry Fearn
Keith Alexander