Mowbray’s endorsement
Tony Mowbray, former Middlesbrough manager and current Blackburn Rovers boss, has publicly praised midfielder Aidan Morris as the player who can fill the void left by Hayden Hackney’s move to Everton. In a statement quoted by The Northern Echo, Mowbray said, “Morris will make the supporters at Middlesbrough quickly forget about Hayden Hackney,” calling the USA international an “exceptionally talented footballer.”
Mowbray’s comments come ahead of Blackburn’s home game against Middlesbrough at Ewood Park, his first home match since returning to Rovers. He also highlighted Hackney’s past contributions, noting that the academy graduate made 154 senior appearances for the Teessiders and was named the Championship Player of the Season last term.
Hackney’s legacy
Hayden Hackney, who left Middlesbrough in the summer, had become a talismanic figure for the club. In the 2023-24 Championship season he started 38 league matches, scored five goals and provided seven assists. A groin injury caused him to miss the final eight games of the season, including the play-off final, where he returned from the bench at Wembley. Mowbray praised Hackney as “a wonderful footballer, if not the best footballer in the division when he’s doing his time with Middlesbrough.”
Hackney’s departure leaves Middlesbrough needing a new midfield engine as they aim for promotion. The club’s recent form has been encouraging, with a 2-1 win over Lincoln City to open the campaign, and they are looking to build on that momentum.
Morris’s challenge
Aidan Morris, currently in contention to return from injury, faces the task of stepping into a “talismanic” role that Hackney once filled. Mowbray’s confidence in Morris comes at a time when Middlesbrough’s expectations have risen; the club is now positioning itself as a Premier League side within 12 months. Morris will need to perform to the high standards set by Hackney while helping the team maintain its promotion push.
Mowbray also commented on the upcoming match, stating, “I think the next game [against Middlesbrough] is probably against the best footballing team in the division.” He added that a defeat would be a disappointment, underscoring the importance of the fixture for both clubs.
Looking ahead
With Hackney’s exit and Morris’s potential return, Middlesbrough’s midfield is at a crossroads. The club’s early season form, combined with the promise of a new midfield talent, could see them continue their promotion challenge. The upcoming game against Blackburn will be a key test of whether Morris can live up to Mowbray’s expectations and help Boro move closer to their goal of Premier League football.
