Hayden Hackney set for Middlesbrough return in 150th anniversary game

Hayden Hackney will be back at the Riverside this Sunday for Middlesbrough's 150th anniversary Legacy Game, three months after his transfer to Everton.

Hayden Hackney will make a symbolic return to Middlesbrough this Sunday for the club's 150th anniversary Legacy Game. The former Boro captain, who left for Everton in a £16.5 million transfer in early July, will be introduced to supporters at half-time during the event at the Riverside Stadium.

Hackney will attend but not play in the match, needing to maintain his fitness for Everton's schedule during the international break. His departure after 154 appearances for his boyhood club came as Middlesbrough were building a strong Championship campaign. The team currently sits third in the table with 15 points from eight games, just two points off the top.

Hackney's Boro legacy

The midfielder was signed by Middlesbrough at Under-10 level after being spotted playing for Redcar Town. He went on to score memorable goals and wear the captain's armband on numerous occasions, featuring in last season's Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City. The transfer to Everton could eventually be worth up to £24 million if all add-on clauses are met. Chairman Steve Gibson noted that the likelihood of those add-ons being triggered is high. "That is something that would be music to Gibson's ears," he said.

Legacy Game details

The special fixture, scheduled for Sunday, will feature over 90 former players with a crowd of more than 30,000 expected. Legends including Juninho, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Christian Karembeu, and David Wheater are among the participants. Match passes for the game are available for £3 via the club's official website. The event is a centrepiece of the season-long celebrations marking 150 years of Middlesbrough Football Club.

Hackney's return comes as Michael Carrick's side prepares for a key home fixture against fourth-placed Wolves on 10 October. Boro's form has been solid, with two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five outings, a sequence you can review on our standings page. The team's next challenge is detailed in our fixtures list. Hayden Hackney will take his bow in front of the Riverside faithful at half-time this Sunday, three months after his record departure to the Premier League.