The decision came without hesitation. For followers of Everton, such clarity should spark hope.
When Middlesbrough fell in the play-off final, Hackney’s exit from his hometown club became unavoidable. He had clung to the dream of helping Boro return to the top division. Though that ambition faded, his ascent toward English football’s summit could not be halted.
At one stage, over a third of Premier League clubs were tracking the Championship’s player of the year. Yet the youngster’s attention pointed firmly in a single direction.
Everton’s stature and the character of their supporters proved decisive, though other elements mattered too. David Moyes’ standing held particular significance.
Moyes has transformed Championship acquisitions into stars – from Cahill and Jagielka through to Bowen at West Ham. While the manager made his case to Hackney over the summer, the player’s own knowledge rendered much of the persuasion redundant. The Scot’s history with players from the second tier clearly appealed, and while Moyes did make his pitch, he made the choice straightforward.
Another influence came from Jarrad Branthwaite. The pair developed a friendship during England Under-21 duty, and messages passed between them regarding the move.
Branthwaite, speaking in Stuttgart, said he had been urging Hackney to join and expressed delight at his arrival, describing him as an excellent professional who would strengthen the squad significantly.
Hackney, speaking at the luxurious Öschberghof venue nestled in rural Germany near the Black Forest, found Branthwaite’s confidence that he would settle rapidly proved accurate within days.
With integration complete, focus shifted to his footballing development. Having been eased back carefully during early pre-season work because of the injury that curtailed his previous campaign, he has become integral to Everton’s preparations.
His positivity has shone through in the friendly matches, with his eagerness to drive the team upfield evident throughout his performances. The midfielder, comfortable in deeper or more advanced roles but seeing the central position as his optimal spot, identified ball progression as a key strength – threading passes through opposition lines and carrying the ball forward. He emphasised his desire to play attacking football, accepting that possession might occasionally be lost but believing successful passes would create opportunities and goals. He pledged to always demand the ball and continue trying to create, regardless of previous errors.
With Christian Norgaard, Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner sidelined, the sole question for Saturday’s opening fixture against Crystal Palace concerns whether he features from the start or among the substitutes.
When questioned about his season objectives, the midfielder stated his aim was maximum game time, with total dedication if not selected initially, and fulfilling his designated role of carrying possession forward swiftly, crafting openings and contributing goals and assists.