Neil Mackenzie is hoping to bring the Midas touch to Meadow Lane this season and guide Notts County to promotion. The 31-year-old was an integral part of Scunthorpe's promotion to the Championship last term as they lifted the League One title. The much-travelled midfielder has accumulated a host of clubs during his career and is intent on settling in the East Midlands, as he told givemefootball's Ian Clarkson in an exclusive interview.
Q:HOW DID THE MOVE TO NOTTS COUNTY ARISE?
A:I was on the train up to Darlington and had agreed a deal with David Penney but I got a phone call from Lee Richardson at Chesterfield, which made me think so I decided to go to Cyprus to mull the offers over. However, when I was in Cyprus I received another call from Notts County's assistant manager John Gannon, who I knew from my time at Mansfield. He told me they would match all other offers and my mind was made up. They are a bigger club and it is closer to home for me and a real chance to set down some roots.
Q:WHAT ARE THE HOPES FOR THIS SEASON?
A:They finished mid table last season but it was Steve Thompson's first season in charge. Everything is in place now for a push this season and I am one of six new signings so we will have to try and gel quickly.
Q:WHY DID YOU LEAVE SCUNTHORPE?
A:I enjoyed a great 18 months at Scunthorpe, which culminated in us winning the League One title last year. I played quite a lot of games so I was a bit annoyed that I didn't get a new deal. Nigel Adkins said he wanted to keep me but was offering me the same money in the Championship and I was told that I was only going to be a squad player. Once I told Nigel that I had the chance of a two-year deal at Meadow Lane he told me it was a good opportunity and wished me all the best.
Q:YOU ENJOYED A GOOD SEASON LAST YEAR DIDN'T YOU?
A:It was a brilliant season. I started on loan at Hereford and I had a good seven-game spell there. The turning point for me was when Brian Laws left to take over at Sheffield Wednesday as Nigel Adkins involved me far more and I played a role in many games. I started 20 games and it was probably my best ever season for consistency.
Q:HOW GOOD CAN BILLY SHARP BE?
A:Billy Sharp will be a very good goalscorer at any level. He has been the top scorer in the country for the last two seasons and he will definitely score goals in the Championship. To score goals in the Premiership his all-round game might have to improve a bit but he has got plenty of time on his side an I am sure he will be a top player.
Q:WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES TO WIN LEAGUE TWO THIS YEAR?
A:I think the league will be a lot tighter this year and I don't think anyone will run away with it. Teams such as Swindon and Walsall have been promoted and I think everyone is pretty much of a muchness. Peterborough and Darlington have spent a bit of cash but we are certainly capable of finishing in at least the top seven. If we can get promoted then I would love to stay here and hopefully make this my last club. The size of Notts County means they should be playing at a higher level and let's hope we can achieve that.
