Speaking on The Beautiful Game Podcast, Isaac Hayden has been speaking about playing in front of an angry St James’ Park and the game against Leeds United this season.
It’s no secret Newcastle fans were unhappy with the state of their club at the start of the season. They disliked their manager and despised their owners, and they weren’t shy of making their voices heard on these matters.
Interestingly, Hayden has admitted it was tough to play in front of crowds that were so hostile, stating the worst instance came against Leeds United this season.
Hayden did have praise for the Leeds supporters on the day but said it was hard to play in front of a home crowd that was so unhappy.
What’s Hayden said about the fans?
Hayden discussed the atmosphere at St James’ Park earlier this season and during the Leeds game in particular.
“It was the Leeds game which was one of the worst atmospheres I’ve played in. We went 1-0 down and Raphinha scored a cross that went straight in, and when that went in, the atmosphere was hot, and I was thinking ‘wow’,” Hayden said.
“With Leeds and Newcastle there’s a bit of rivalry there and some history, so when they go 1-0 up, their fans, and their fans are incredible as well, their away support is impressive.
“They sing Marching On Together and you can see our fans turning and booing, but to be fair to Steve Bruce, he changed the formation and we gave it a good go and drew 1-1.
“Some of the atmospheres were very tricky to play in, especially this season, just because of the hostility between the fans and the manager.”
Back on track
It’s incredibly interesting to hear this insight into the psychology of a footballer and how they’re affected when a crown turns on their own team.
The mood has certainly changed at St James’ Park since the takeover. Now the team, owners and fans are united in trying to stave off the threat of relegation.
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