Wrexham defender “cracking on” despite “challenging” injuries, according to Aaron Hayden
Aaron Hayden, a defender for Wrexham, is happy to be playing for the League Two team again after a string of injuries.
After suffering a calf injury in January’s FA Cup match against Sheffield United, the 26-year-old missed the National League title run-in.
He had a setback with an injury during the preseason, but he is now back in action and scored in the 1-0 victory over Tranmere.
I won’t lie, it’s been difficult, he remarked.
“Obviously, at the beginning of the season, I sustained another minor groin injury because I was so eager to play.
“That is life; nothing is straight; everything is up and down. It all depends on how you handle setbacks and whether or not you have the mental fortitude to prevail.
“I always encourage myself to maintain my focus, complete my rehabilitation, and return stronger and more fit.
“I’m back, I’m ready, I’m in shape, and we need to get going right away.”
In August 2021, Hayden signed a three-year contract to transfer from Carlisle United to Wrexham, where he quickly became a vital member of the Welsh team.
He had 29 games and 11 goals for Wrexham previous season, but the injury he sustained early in the FA Cup fourth-round match against Sheffield United forced him to miss the remaining few months of the campaign.
Hayden described the experience of witnessing the title run-in from the sidelines as “tough.”
“But we succeeded in achieving our shared objective, which was more significant than what I wanted to do.
We won the league, and now that we are in League Two, our focus is on advancing.
“The future is what matters; we can’t get caught up in the past.”
Hayden made his comeback in the Carabao Cup match against Bradford City on Wednesday, and he received his first league start last Saturday against Tranmere Rovers.
His second-half goal gave Wrexham a 1-0 victory at Prenton Park, giving them their first away victory of the year.
“It was really great for us to get our first away victory,” said Hayden.
We may have been more effective in the first half, but our team’s defense was strong, compact, and it prevented them from having many opportunities
“Seasonally, it’s still very early on, so we won’t get ahead of ourselves with this.
“We’re going to keep striving to get better.”
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George Evans joined Wrexham from Millwall on a two-year contract
GEORGE EVANS believes Wrexham is the perfect place to kick-start his career.
The midfielder has joined the Reds from Millwall, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal, and he made his debut as a late substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 League Two derby win at Tranmere Rovers.
Evans, who can also play at centre-back, is a product of Manchester City’s youth academy and also played in the Championship for Reading and Derby.
He found chances limited at The New Den this season, making two substitute appearances in the second tier and another run-out off the bench in the Carabao Cup, and the 28-year-old jumped at the chance to sign for Wrexham.
“I am really excited to get going and get in the thick of it,” said Evans.
“Last season was a bit frustrating for me in terms of game-time, this came up and I thought it was a great opportunity for me. I didn’t want to turn it down.
“As soon as I heard about it, it was something that I wanted to get done.
“It is an exciting project to be a part of and it is something that I am really looking forward to.
“Obviously I want to play football but where I see the club going, it is a really exciting move.
“Once I heard about it, it was hard to turn down.
“I think it is a great place to kick-start my career and get back firing again.”
Former England youth international Evans has played in the Championship since leaving Manchester City to sign for Reading in January 2016, and he believes playing at a higher level can benefit Wrexham.
“Hopefully I can contribute to success at the club,” he said.
“I have had a few years playing in the Championship now, hopefully I can show the qualities I have and bring some experience to the team as well.
“I am desperate to get back playing every week and put in some good performances and win some football matches.”
When asked what Wrexham supporters can expect from him, Evans added: “I am comfortable on the ball and have long range passing to hopefully open the game up a little bit.
“I like to get on the ball from deep, try and build-up the play and work between the lines as well.
“That is something I want to do at Wrexham and I will always give 100 per
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