The frontman was signed by Gary Peters in time for the start of the 1997/8 campaign from Manchester United for a fee of around £250,000. The youngster made his debut away at Gillingham along with fellow United youngster Colin Murdock. Macken had a poor first season with the Whites as the side struggled he managed to score only six league goals, eight in total.
The 98/99 season saw little improvement for the youngster as he played second fiddle to leading scorer Kurt Nogan as Moyes took Preston to the second division play-offs. Macken netted just eight league goals, nine in total.
Things changed as Preston gained promotion in 1999/2000. The youngster turned into a real goal poacher bagging 25 in total - 22 in the league to help Preston to the second division title. His good form continued the following season as Preston made the first division play-offs. He managed to bag his first career hat-trick, scoring 19 in the league and three in the cup.
Macken then only managed to bag 10 the following season but scored an important goal from the halfway line against Manchester City which caught the eye of Kevin Keegan. Macken left the club in March for a record fee of £5m to Manchester City as Moyes departed to Everton. This double blow ended North end's play off dreams.
Macken stayed with City but through injuries and other signings, he never really broke into the first team and failed to score goals. He has just recently moved on to our next opponents Crystal Palace.