Hackney Reveals Moyes-Inspired Everton Aim & Derby Excitement

Everton’s Hayden Hackney says there are two fixtures he’s particularly looking forward to for the 2026/27 season.

A summer signing from Middlesbrough, the midfielder has impressed for the Toffees across his six Premier League appearances so far.

Hackney – the Championship Player of the Season for last term – is a boyhood Middlesbrough fan and enjoyed five seasons at the Riverside after coming through the club’s academy ranks.

On leaving Boro to join Everton, Hackney said: “I think it was the perfect fit. There are a lot of similarities with Middlesbrough. It’s a working-class place.

“The fans are similar and it’s a massive club.

“I think there’s a new generation of young players, a new stadium. It’s exciting times and I want to be a part of it.

For the 24-year-old, the chance to face Liverpool in the Merseyside derby next month, as well as former Tees-Wear rivals Sunderland on Boxing Day are exciting prospects.

“I think the Sunderland games will be good for me to play in. That’s one of the games I’ll be looking forward to," admitted Hackney.

“Liverpool in the derby, too. Watching those games on the TV and seeing the atmosphere, I think that’ll be a game I look forward to, as well.

“I think I’ve watched every one of them, to be fair. It’s just an unreal game that I hope I can be a part of.”

Everton manager David Moyes has an outstanding track record of guiding Championship talent towards being Premier League regulars.

He’s overseen the development of second-tier acquisitions like Tim Cahill, John Stones and Joleon Lescott, as well as Jarrod Bowen at West Ham United.

Hackney believes he can make a similar transition.

The midfielder added: “We spoke about that a lot. 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.”