Isaac Hayden says Newcastle United players are simply grateful to be back to work ahead of Project Restart in the Premier League. At this time of year footballers are normally jetting off to exotic locations to recharge for the new season but the world is still readjusting to the new normal and like the fans, Toon players face more time at home during the uncertainty in the UK. Hayden believed Newcastle must focus on completing their remaining nine matches of the Premier League campaign and tackle their FA Cup quarter-final with Manchester City.
Isaac Hayden said: “There was always a Catch 22, there was always a concern on whether to scrap the season and then restart. But they have found a happy medium. It’s five weeks of matches and we’ll be finishing July 25 and then having a few weeks off and then pre-season. I think it works quite well. Realistically, everybody would be jetting off on holiday and doing things differently to how we are now. We wouldn’t be training in this weather now. It is different but we have to get on with it. These circumstances are unprecedented. To do you your job and be paid for it is a privilege. It is massive to have something to focus on because you have an end game. It was a good idea to get the date as soon as possible. We have it now so we can prepare well and finish the season as strongly as possible.”
