Aberdeen defender Hayden Coulson has admitted playing for Newcastle United is a boyhood dream – and wants to get back to a level where they want him.
Last January, Dan Burn was given his boyhood dream as Newcastle pounced to sign him.
Born in Blyth, Burn was a boyhood Newcastle fan and even spent time in the Magpies ranks before being released at the age of just 11.
Burn had to drop into non-league before working himself all the way back up to Premier League level, to the point where Newcastle wanted him.
That will give other Newcastle-supporting players hope of eventually pulling on the famous black and white stripes – such as Hayden Coulson.
Hayden Coulson admits Newcastle United ‘childhood dream’
Left back Coulson was born in Gateshead but came up through the ranks with Middlesbrough.
Coulson grew up as a Newcastle fan though and there was speculation once upon a time surrounding a move to St James’ Park.
The Sun on Sunday (08/03/2020, p59) reported that Newcastle were keen on signing Coulson.
Coulson was impressing for Middlesbrough at the time and Newcastle were quoted around £10million to sign him.
Sadly, Coulson injuries have been a real problem in recent years and he has really struggled to settle down.
Loans to Ipswich Town and Peterborough United haven’t helped but Coulson is getting back on track with Aberdeen.
The 24-year-old is featuring regularly in Scotland and is trying to put his injury problems behind him.
Coulson has now spoken to the Daily Record about his love for Newcastle and those previous transfer links.
Coulson noted that he watched Burn live the dream by scoring a key goal for Newcastle against Leicester City last week.
The left back noted that playing for Newcastle was a ‘childhood dream’ but he isn’t sure a move from Middlesbrough was ever really close.
Coulson was happy at Middlesbrough so didn’t focus too much on the rumours, but now wants to get back to the level where Newcastle want to sign him.
“I’m a Newcastle fan and I was linked with them a few years ago,” said Coulson. “That was my childhood dream when I was going to St James’ Park but I was happy at Middlesbrough at the time. They’re not doing too badly now, are they? I saw Dan Burn’s dancing (after beating Leicester in the quarter-final). It was a bit questionable! But he’s a very good player and for every kid who’s from there, that’s the dream – to play at St James’ and score.”
“So credit to him, he’s done really well there. When I was linked, it was my first season under Woodgate at Middlesbrough. I had a good start. There were a few headlines and it’s good to have stuff like that written about you. But I was just happy playing my football. Then injuries come – and here we are. I’m not too sure if it was ever close. I leave that side of it to my agent. I was just thankful to Woodgate for putting me in that position. Now I need to get back to doing what I do. Can I get back to that level? Definitely. I think it’s everyone’s ambition to go to the Premier League,” he added.
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