Only Miguel Almiron, Joelinton and Martin Dubravka have played more games for Newcastle United this season than Isaac Hayden, but it may have played out differently.
Hayden was very eager for a move to the South West to be closer to his fiancee and daughter who had been in and out of hospital.
However, the arrival of Steve Bruce at St James’ Park was a ‘big reason’ why Hayden decided to remain on Tyneside.
Having previously worked under Bruce during his loan spell at Hull City, Hayden knew what to expect when the Newcastle fan took over from Rafa Benitez.
Deciding factor
’It was a big reason why in the summer I wanted to stay,’ Hayden told BBC 5 Live Sport.
Bruce does not have the pedigree of Benitez, but his more personal managerial approach has made him a favourote amongst the squad.
Hayden added: ‘I had Rafa Benitez for three years and he brought me to the club and put a lot of faith in me.
’For a particular manager to come in, I couldn’t have wished for a better one because I worked with him when I was at Hull.
’So for him to come back in and be the manager was big for me.’
Hayden was an ever present during Newcastle’s stint in the Championship, however, he saw chances limited back in the Premier League and relied on injruies to other players to make a claim to be a starting player.
Man management key
He took his chance with both hands and has never looked back since proving to be one of the most important cogs in the Magpies’ side.
Hayden said: ‘It’s just the personal side of it.
’You feel you can knock on his door or you can speak to him about anything. It could be about anything in general, life, cars. Whatever you’re chatting about, he always gets involved ion the banter.’