Sheffield Wednesday Loanee Mackenzie Maltby Finds the Perfect Learning Ground Ahead of Burton Albion’s Clash with Scarborough Athletic
As Burton Albion’s away end fills with Scarborough Athletic fans dressed in red, 19-year-old Mackenzie Maltby will be stepping into more than just an FA Cup first-round clash. For the Sheffield Wednesday loanee, this loan spell isn’t only about gaining match experience; it’s about understanding the weight of a passionate fanbase. Playing for Scarborough, a fan-driven phoenix club in the Conference North, has shown him a different kind of connection with supporters, who bring an average of 1,624 fans per game—remarkable numbers at this level. “It feels like everyone knows everyone,” Maltby shares, describing the unique bond he feels with the Scarborough crowd. “It really helps when it comes to playing the games because you feel like everyone’s on your side.”
Chairman Trevor Bull sees Maltby as a “class act,” acknowledging the young defender’s adaptability and drive. Maltby has quickly learned to handle the pressure of performing in front of a passionate crowd—a critical skill that will serve him well when he returns to Wednesday. As he readies for the match against Burton, a team three divisions above Scarborough, Maltby knows this journey is about more than results; it’s about building the foundation for his future in professional football.