Had things gone differently last month, Hayden Hackney might have spent yesterday preparing for Ipswich Town’s Sunday lunchtime match against Southampton rather than playing for Middlesbrough at the Den.
Instead, after turning down a £20 million move to Portman Road, the midfielder was one of the standouts as Boro defeated Millwall 3-0 to make it two wins from two at the start of the Championship season.
When he turned down Ipswich’s approaches, Redcar native Hackney said he was eager to give his all for the club that had nourished and developed him since he was a schoolboy.
In the three weeks since, he has certainly kept his word. Hackney, who played a significant role in Boro’s opening-day success over Swansea, was even more important in yesterday’s win against Millwall, with his 49th-minute convert of Morgan Whittaker’s cross breaking the deadlock and laying the way for the Teessiders’ victory.
With a fortnight left in the transfer window, there is still some question about where Hackney will play football starting in September.
Crystal Palace and Everton are still being mooted as potential destinations, although Porto may reignite interest that was put on hold in January.
For the time being, Rob Edwards is content with having probably the finest midfielder in the Championship on his roster. And if he can still rely on his services at the beginning of next month, he will be even happier.
“You can see it out there, he loves the club,” stated the Boro manager. “He’s been very professional throughout, and he adores the club.” I can’t be happy with him.
“The way I see it right now, he is here with us, and that is all there is to it. He loves the place, and I believe his performance reflected that.
“It’s been difficult for him over the past few weeks. I’ll always check in with him, but players will often just say, ‘I’m fine Rob,’ because they don’t want to tell me the truth.
“I’m constantly checking in with him since he’s had a lot going on. I believe that everyone, including myself, must judge him based on his performance. His work ethic and determination were on full display today.
“I’ve said it before: it’s a win-win situation in either case. But I am not thinking about it right now. I perceive him as being here and an important member of this group. Regardless, it’s a win-win situation.
His play today was great, and he scored the goal. “I think he enjoys this club.” Hackney’s goal at the Den was his first since a 3-2 home loss to Sunderland in February, and Edwards appears to want to use him in a more advanced attacking-midfield role than the one he played under Michael Carrick.
“I thought Hayden was excellent,” he went on. “Lots of energy, tons of quality, and a genuine desire and passion. He won a number of duels, and his running was excellent.
“That’s the best he’s looked for us since returning from his triumph with the national squad this summer [helping England win the European Under-21 Championships]. He’s a winner, and he’s shown it by being a member of a highly successful team.”
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