Tall and strong, Hayden is comfortable on the ball and fits the style of play Bishop and Parkinson are looking to implement at the Dave Longstaff Martin and Co Arena. A much more confident individual - and a player ready to roll his sleeves up - and put his body on the line, "I feel really good being back at Gainsborough I know Damo and Bish well and I know what they want to do on the pitch, which suits me and I’m pleased that the deal is now done. Over the twelve months I feel as though I’ve developed in all the areas of my game with especially adapting to mens football and playing for three points on match day."

"Lincoln United was good for me, I played a lot of games and came into their squad at a tough time where we were fighting relegation and having all those experiences in the back end of the season has helped me a lot by having to dig in and make sure we win. I have backed that up and I feel as though I’ve had a good pre-season this year and had some good moments. The staff at Lincoln want me to be consistent with how I play and play my own game really well, whilst also helping out the team."

The combination of full time training alongside work with the Holy Blues is likely to mean Hayden is in the best possible shape for Trinity this season, "I will still be training with the first team every day and if Damo and Bish need me to come to training to get some understanding for shape or patterns of play then I’ll be there because it’s for the benefit of the team, to make sure that we can find a way to win our next game."

Experienced words from a youngster looking to develop his all round game. Blues' boss, Bishop was pleased to get the deal for the centre half done, after a pre-season where Isaac Rice was the only recognised central defender signed. Here the Joint Manager explains the importance of patience and playing the waiting game,

"Hayden is obviously a player well known to us and we have been in contact with Lincoln for a number of weeks about him returning. He seems to have developed physically over the summer and we hope he can become real leader for us. It has been frustrating not to be able to get him through the door earlier, but we are delighted he’s finally here."

Welcome back Hayden! Here's hoping you hit the ground running!

Words: Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Header Photo: Russell Dickens
Body Photo: Kate Simmonds