Macken was a right back or midfielder who played for Home Farm F.C., Glentoran F.C. (1968–1972) and Waterford United F.C. in Ireland before moving to Derby County F.C. in August 1974 for a fee of £30,000. Manager Dave Mackay left Macken in the reserves for the whole of the 1974/75 season. He again went on loan to Portsmouth in February 1976.
His only other appearance for Derby in the season was in a 1-0 loss again against Villa.
In all competitions he made thirty-seven appearances for the Rams, including eight as a substitute bafore moving to play in America in 1977. After spells with Washington and Dallas, he returned to England with Walsall in October 1977.
He starred in Walsall 1979/80 promotion team and scored once for them in 190 games before returning home to Ireland in June 1982 where he played for Waterford United and Drogheda United. He managed Drogheda United to the League Cup winners in 1983/84.
As a player with Walsall As a manager.