Hayden Hackney reveals David Moyes talks behind Everton move

Hayden Hackney has revealed that David Moyes’ record of developing players from the Championship was part of their discussions after the midfielder joined Everton from Middlesbrough.

Hackney made the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium during the summer after being named the Championship Player of the Season. The 24-year-old is now attempting to establish himself at Premier League level and believes working under Moyes can help him make that transition.

Speaking to Everton’s official website, Hackney explained that the manager’s previous success with players recruited from the Championship had featured prominently in their conversations.

“We spoke about that a lot,” he said. “It makes sense. He’s done that in previous years, and the players have gone on to become Premier League-proven players. That’s something I want to do. I want to prove myself in the Premier League and become an established Premier League player, and then, who knows what can happen.”

Hackney sets out Everton ambition

Hackney spent his entire senior career at Middlesbrough before joining Everton, having progressed through the academy at his boyhood club and spent five seasons in the first team. Moving to Merseyside therefore represented a significant change for the midfielder, as well as his first opportunity to test himself regularly in the Premier League.

Moyes has a long history of recruiting players from outside the top flight and helping them establish themselves at that level. Everton highlighted Tim Cahill, John Stones and Joleon Lescott as previous examples, along with Jarrod Bowen during the manager’s time at West Ham.

That record has given Hackney encouragement as he adjusts to the demands of the Premier League. He has made six top-flight appearances since his summer arrival, but his ambition extends beyond simply reaching the division: he wants to prove he can become an established player at this level.

For Everton, his development will be worth watching as the season progresses. Hackney has already been given opportunities by Moyes and believes he is working under a manager with a proven record of helping players make the same transition.

For all the latest Everton news, interviews and team updates, visit our Everton news page.