A product of Sheffield United's Academy McFadzean was a member of the team that reached the final of the FA Youth Cup in 2011, scoring in the first leg of the final against Manchester United. He was eventually promoted to the senior squad and made his professional début in the first game of the 2012–13 season, a League Cup tie against Burton Albion. Now on the fringes of the first team and regularly securing a place on the bench, McFadzean made his first start for the Blades in the Johnstones Paint Trophy against Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena. Following a handful of substitute appearances that season, McFadzean was handed a more prominent role by caretaker managerChris Morgan following the departure of Danny Wilson in April 2012. After a number of first-team starts at the tail end of the season, McFadzean came off the bench to score the winning goal in the first leg of United's play-off semi-final against Yeovil Town. Following his successful end to the season McFadzean had had his contract with the Blades extended in June 2013.
Loan spells
McFadzean started the following season as part of the first team but was sidelined by injury during September. Following the arrival of new United manager Nigel Clough, McFadzean joined Chesterfield in November 2013 on a short-term loan. McFadzean returned to his parent club in January 2014 after making five appearances for Chesterfield, but remained out of United's first team picture, and in March 2014, McFadzean joined League Two side Burton Albion on an initial one-month loan. McFadzean remained with Burton for the remainder of the season, scoring one goal and making ten appearances for his temporary employers, including playing in Burton's unsuccessful appearance in the play-off final at Wembley. On 3 July 2014, McFadzean rejoined Burton Albion on a six-month loan deal. On 7 October 2014, McFadzean was ruled out for up to two months after breaking his fifth metatarsal bone in a match against Cambridge United. On 26 November 2015, McFadzean joined Stevenage on a one-month loan. At the end of the 2015–16 season, he was released by Sheffield United. On 24 June 2016, McFadzean signed for Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock. McFadzean moved to Alfreton Town in March 2017. He was released by the club at the end of the season.
After a year with Guiseley, he was on the move again in August 2018, this time signing a six-month contract with Bury after a successful trial with the Gigg Lane club. On 26 October 2018, McFadzean was offered a contract extension to the end of the 2018–19 season.
McFadzean made his debut on the opening day of the 2019–20 season as Argyle won 3–0 against Crewe Alexandra. In July 2020, McFadzean turned down a new contract with Plymouth Argyle.
International career
McFadzean made five appearances for England's under-16 squad during the 2009–10 season. McFadzean is also eligible to represent Scotland due to his Scottish heritage. He was selected for the Scotland under-21 squad in March 2015.
In October 2013, McFadzean was released on bail after being charged with two counts of assault and two counts of threatening behaviour after an incident in Sheffield city centre earlier the same month. McFadzean pleaded guilty to two charges of assault when his case came to court in November 2013, admitting to hitting one female friend and headbutting another while drunk. As a result, he was given a community order with 12 months' supervision.
