Before United's return to Brunton Park to face Tamworth in the Enterprise National League, we spoke to Aaron Hayden
Speaking to CUTV, he discussed discipline after an early booking at Boston, his partnership with Morgan Feeney, the team’s togetherness and the challenge ahead this weekend.
Here is everything we learnt.
1. MOMENTUM IS BUILDING AT THE RIGHT TIME
“We’re in a really positive place right now. There’s good momentum in the group, good rhythm. I’m looking forward to being back at home on Saturday and hopefully getting all three points, especially after not managing it in our last home game.”
2. PLAYING ON A YELLOW FOR MOST OF THE MATCH CHANGES EVERYTHING
“It was frustrating getting booked early [against Boston United]. You spend the whole game watching your tackles and how quickly you go in. It affects your game a bit, but it can help too, you know you can’t afford any mistakes.
“At half-time Georgie told me, ‘Aaron, make sure you stay on the pitch, we need you.’ So that was my focus: keep us level in numbers.”
3. MORGAN FEENEY MAKES DEFENDING FEEL EASY
“Morgan’s great, man. He’s a leader, he speaks so well. We cover each other, he goes in front, I sweep behind. The relationship is really good, and we’re performing well together.”
4. CONSISTENCY IS KEY TO FINDING RHYTHM
“It’s great playing every week. Once you catch that rhythm, you enjoy it more. It can be hard to build up, but I’m really enjoying the consistency.”
5. PROMOTION CHAT IS OFF THE TABLE FOR NOW
“We don’t talk about promotion. It’s way too early, we’re not even halfway through the season. From experience, there are so many twists and turns.
“What I can do is pass on my knowledge of the league whenever I can.”
6. EVERYTHING IS CLICKING, BUT IT’S NOT DOWN TO ONE THING
“We’ve had time to gel. There’s a good balance to our play now. I couldn’t put my finger on exactly why, but things are clicking.”
7. HARVEY MACADAM'S RISE COMES AS NO SURPRISE
“Harvey lives with me, so I see how he works. Even when he wasn’t playing, he was so professional.
“I’m just happy he’s getting his shine now. His side foot is crazy, it’s no surprise he scored the goals he did the other night.”
8. TAMWORTH WILL BRING A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHALLENGE
“They’re tough. They play on astro so they play differently - lots of balls in behind, keeping things in play.
“Everyone knows about their long throw, their big asset. We’ll have to deal with that.”
9. LONG THROWS AREN’T A SURPRISE, BUT THEY REQUIRE REAL FOCUS
“You know they’re coming, so you have time to prepare. The trajectory is different to a kick, so it can be harder to attack, but we’ve dealt with them well this season and I’m confident we will again.”
10. TRAINING HAS BEEN INTENSE AND PURPOSEFUL
“It’s been really good, intense and sharp. Some lads had a bounce game to stay fit. It’s important everyone stays ready because anything can happen with injuries or rotation.”
11. TEAM BONDING (AND GO KARTING) IS WORKING WONDERS
“It was really nice to do something with the boys that wasn’t football. It helps the bonding massively.
“I hadn’t done go karting since I was a kid and felt a bit sore after, but it was worth it. It brings everyone closer.”
12. HOME GAMES AT 3PM HIT DIFFERENT
“I love playing at Brunton Park. No travel, a packed stadium - it’s brilliant.
“I was annoyed we couldn’t get the win last time with 10,000 fans there. I’m really hell-bent on getting the three points this weekend.”
13. WATCHING OTHER RESULTS DOESN’T ADD PRESSURE
“I don’t tap into all that. It’s still just a football game on Saturday. If you start looking at the table too much, you create pressure for no reason.”
14. TURNING BRUNTON PARK INTO A FORTRESS IS ESSENTIAL
“We’ve only lost once at home this season. If you want to do something in this league, your home has to be a fortress.
“We just have to keep our good habits.”
Watch the full interview on CUTV HERE!
