Hayden Hackney Opens Up on Everton Move, Michael Carrick’s Influence and Southampton’s Spygate Drama
Everton midfielder Hayden Hackney has discussed the major decisions and unexpected moments that have shaped his career, from leaving Middlesbrough for a new challenge at Goodison Park to learning under former Boro manager Michael Carrick. Speaking to Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast, the 24-year-old also reflected on the advice he received from new Everton boss David Moyes, his footballing heroes and the extraordinary events surrounding Southampton’s Championship play-off controversy.
Hackney’s move to Everton represents a significant step in his development. After establishing himself as one of Middlesbrough’s most influential midfielders, he has joined a club with a different level of expectation and scrutiny. The transition brings fresh demands: adapting to a new tactical approach, competing for a place in a Premier League side and showing that the qualities he displayed in the Championship can translate to a higher-profile stage.
How Michael Carrick Helped Shape Hackney’s Midfield Game
Hackney credits Carrick, who managed Middlesbrough from 2022 to 2025 before taking charge of Manchester United, with having a major impact on his understanding of the game. Carrick’s detailed, possession-focused coaching suited both the team’s style and Hackney’s strengths as a midfielder.
“He was a lot more on the ball stuff,” Hackney explained, noting that Middlesbrough often had plenty of possession in the Championship. Carrick regularly worked with players in separate positional groups, and the midfielders benefited from close contact with a coach who had played at the highest level.
For Hackney, the value was not simply in hearing instructions but in applying them on the pitch. He said the players tried to take in everything Carrick offered and incorporate it into their own performances. That experience helped him develop the habits expected of a modern central midfielder: receiving under pressure, finding useful passing angles, controlling the tempo and recognising when to move the ball quickly or carry it forward.
Carrick’s influence also gave Hackney a practical example of how elite midfielders read matches. A player’s contribution is not always measured by goals or assists. Positioning, awareness and the ability to help a team keep possession can be just as important, particularly when opponents press aggressively or attempt to close central spaces.
David Moyes’ Advice and a New Challenge at Everton
Hackney’s conversation with Akinfenwa also touched on the guidance he received from David Moyes, Everton’s new manager. Moving clubs can be a demanding period for any player, especially when expectations rise and the competition for places intensifies. Advice from an experienced manager can help a newcomer understand what is required both in training and on matchday.
At Everton, Hackney will need to show he can adapt to different opponents and game situations. A midfielder may be asked to help build attacks from deep in one match, then focus more on pressing, defensive cover or second-ball battles in another. His composure in possession and experience of playing in a team that valued the ball could offer useful tools, but the Premier League’s pace and physical intensity will test his decision-making.
For Everton supporters, the move offers an opportunity to watch a developing player take on a bigger role. Early performances will naturally attract attention, but assessing a midfielder requires more than looking at headline statistics. His work without the ball, ability to connect defence and attack, and understanding with his teammates will all help determine how quickly he settles.
The Southampton Spygate Episode: From Play-Off Defeat to Wembley Return
One of the most unusual chapters in Hackney’s recent career came during Middlesbrough’s 2025-26 Championship play-off campaign. Boro lost to Southampton in the semi-finals, but the tie was later overshadowed by the Spygate scandal. Southampton analyst William Salt was caught watching a Middlesbrough training session, leading to a dramatic change in the play-off picture. Southampton were barred from the Wembley final, and Middlesbrough were reinstated.
Hackney said he was injured at the time and was not present at the training session where the incident occurred. He was returning from a scan with the club’s physiotherapist when the situation began to unfold. After arriving back, he heard that there had been “a random guy watching training,” before the story grew into a major talking point across English football.
The emotional whiplash was considerable. Middlesbrough had already experienced the disappointment of losing a semi-final and had begun to process the end of their season. Hackney recalled that the squad returned to training on the Monday after having the weekend off, initially taking part in small-sided games despite the frustration of the defeat.
As the situation developed, the possibility of a return to the final became harder to ignore. Players who had thought their campaign was over suddenly had to prepare for another decisive match. That shift from disappointment to renewed hope demanded a rapid mental reset, as well as renewed focus in training.
Middlesbrough ultimately reached the final but lost to Hull. Hackney described the experience as “crazy” and said the final defeat was heartbreaking. The episode highlighted how off-field decisions can reshape a football season, while also underlining the challenge players face when they must respond to events beyond their control.
Football Heroes, Midfield Influences and What Comes Next
Hackney also spoke about the players who inspired him growing up. He idolised Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, two figures whose careers offered contrasting but complementary examples of ambition, skill and competitive drive. Ronaldo’s discipline and relentless pursuit of improvement have made him a reference point for generations of players, while Rooney’s intensity, creativity and ability to influence matches made him a defining figure in English football.
As a midfielder, Hackney is also a fan of Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian international is known for his close control, ability to escape pressure and capacity to carry the ball through congested areas. Those qualities are particularly relevant to players who want to progress possession rather than simply move it sideways. Hackney’s admiration for Kovacic offers a glimpse into the details he values in the role: technique, balance and the confidence to turn in tight spaces.
His comments on the podcast provide a fuller picture of a player entering an important phase of his career. The move to Everton brings new opportunities, but also a fresh test of consistency and adaptability. The prediction for Hackney’s first months at the club will depend on how quickly he absorbs Moyes’ demands and builds relationships with his new teammates. If he can carry forward the lessons learned under Carrick while adjusting to the Premier League, he could become a valuable option in Everton’s midfield.
Hackney’s full conversation with Akinfenwa covers his career journey, coaching influences and the unpredictable nature of the play-offs. The Beast Mode On Podcast is available to watch on YouTube and listen to on Spotify.
