Isaac Hayden confirms he’s happy to open talks over a new contract, but hints that Mike Ashley must prove that the club has a “continuous goal to improve” if he’s to stay.
The 24-year-old looked all set to leave for family reasons just a few months ago, but he revealed in a brilliant interview with NUFC TV that his partner told him he must stay after receiving an overwhelming show of support from fans.
Thankfully his personal situation seems to have stabilised somewhat, allowing him to remain in the north-east, however he’s warned that he won’t just sign a contract for the sake of it.
Here’s what he’s had to say during Chris Waugh’s latest piece for The Athletic:
“I’m happy to have conversations about a new contract, but I have to feel valued in the right way…
“I won’t just commit for committing sake. I want to because it’s right”
“There has to be a continuous goal to improve.”
This is refreshing to hear from Hayden, who appears to challenge the NUFC hierarchy to show ambition and give the club’s star players a real reason to stick around at St James’ Park.
After losing Benitez and replacing him with Bruce, I feel we did well to hold on to the likes of Hayden, Dubravka, Schar and Longstaff, but there’s only so long these players will stay if the club are happy to settle for relegation battles each season.
Players playing Rafa;s game.
That’ll go down well with Ashley.
Brrrian(Quote)
Him and Dubravka have been the only decent performers this season so far.
Kevin(Quote)
Dude thinks too much of himself. Undoubtedly has played better this season but still no major impact on games from anyone. It’s all down to Steve Bruce lacking organisational skills tho…watching Villa leading Everton presently…by this time on Sunday we’ll be rooted and remain there till the end of the season.
Yemzzy Ad Sr(Quote)
Be off when we get relegated! 🙄
Toontaff(Quote)