Plymouth Argyle loaned Kaine Kesler-Hayden I’m heavily enhancing my game.
The 20-year-old player, who is on a season-long loan from Premier League club Aston Villa to Steven Schumacher’s Pilgrims, has had a strong start.
At the young age of 20, Kaine Kesler-Hayden has already played on loan for four different teams, all from Aston Villa, but he admits the transfer to Plymouth Argyle for this season has worked out the best for him.
The former England under-20 international’s parents instilled in him the value of “always giving 110 percent” in competitions, and that character quality has been quite apparent in the early going during his time with the Pilgrims, where he has excelled whether playing right-back or on the left side of the defense.
It is Kesler-Hayden’s second taste of Championship football after he joined Huddersfield Town on a season-long loan in August 2022. However, he made only nine starts and five substitute appearances for the West Yorkshire side and was recalled by Villa in January.
Kesler-Hayden made his Argyle debut on August 5 in a 3-1 victory against Huddersfield at Home Park, and he hasn’t looked back since. In comparison to his loan last term, he said his time with the Pilgrims was “massively different.”
“I was in and out of the side when I was at Huddersfield, and I couldn’t really get a run of games or build confidence,” he remarked. It came after a string of setbacks.
“I think we play much better football here (at Argyle). Towards Huddersfield, we were more direct. Being in possession of the ball and retaining it fits me better. I’m just thrilled and truly loving myself here.
Prior to beginning his first loan with League Two’s Swindon Town in August, Kesler-Hayden led Villa’s under-18 team to victory in the FA Youth Cup final in 2021. Time spent at MK Dons and Huddersfield came after that.
Kesler-Hayden remarked, “I have been loving it,” when asked about his time at Argyle. I’ve now had four loans, and I believe I can state with confidence that I have adjusted to and found the most benefit from this one. Right now, I’m having a lot of fun watching football.
The Birmingham-born defender must make the sacrifice of being away from his West Midlands-based family and friends while playing for Argyle, but he is willing to do so in order to advance his career.
Kesler-Hayden said: “It can be tough at times, especially if you are not playing the best, but right now I’m enjoying my football and I’m really happy. When you are happy and content with the way you are playing you just play better.
“Obviously, you go through rough patches and stuff like that but I’m having a good time. It’s really far (from home) and it can be tough not seeing family as often as you would like but it’s just a sacrifice that has to be made for my career.”
Kesler-Hayden continued: “I think from when I was young, growing up, my parents used to always tell me to give 110 per cent. You are not always going to play the best, or you are not going to be as technically good every single game, but it you give 110 per cent no-one can really moan.
“I think people can see that I’m trying to give my best and give my all in every game. Even in training, the competition is massive. We are playing games for points with a leaderboard so it makes stuff really competitive and everyone wants to be in the starting 11.”
With Saxon Earley ruled out for an extended period of time due to an ankle ligament injury, manager Steven Schumacher has played the versatile Kesler-Hayden in a new left-back role for him, with Joe Edwards on the right.
Kesler-Hayden said: “I came here as a right-back, out and out, but playing in these different positions where the gaffer (Schumacher) is putting me it’s really developing my game massively.
“To say you can play both sides, it really helps. I’m looking to play wherever I can in this team. I don’t mind where I am as long as I’m contributing to the team.”
Argyle return to action after a two-week international break when they take on Ryan Lowe’s Championship leaders Preston North End at Deepdale tomorrow.
Given the fact that Lowe left Argyle for Preston in December 2021, and the manner of his departure many of the Green Army, it is no surprise a very large number of supporters are making the long trip to Lancashire. Kesler-Hayden is aware of the history, but other than that it has had no impact on his approach to the match.
He said: “I think it’s bigger for the fans. Me as a person, i wasn’t here when that happened and it kind of just goes past the ear, but it’s big for them. I hope they are really loud at the game, as they always are, and I hope it brings a really good game.”
One thing Kesler-Hayden is still waiting for is his first goal for the Pilgrims, but he has been getting into some scoring positions and as long as he continues to do that it can only be a matter of time before he gets off the mark.
Kesler-Hayden said: “I’m still waiting, but I can feel it coming. We will just have to see if it’s at the weekend, I will try my hardest. The way we play enables me to get in those positions, with Jordan (Houghton) or whoever it be, covering.
“When you have got really creative players like Morgan (Whittaker) and Bali (Mumba) you can get goals anywhere. They will assist you and help you get scoring opportunities.”
READ MORE:
After recovering from a knee injury, Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper resumes training.
Michael Cooper, the goalkeeper for Plymouth Argyle, has resumed training after overcoming a major knee injury.
The highly regarded 23-year-old player hasn’t played since February, when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Sheffield Wednesday.
He may require an additional month to return to match fitness, according to expectations.
The homegrown player was nominated to the last two League One teams of the season and has made 142 appearances since making his debut at the age of 18.
Argyle manager Steven Schumacher stated, “It was good to see him back on the pitch – he looks really sharp.”
“I’m just thrilled that he’s back,” the speaker said. “He obviously needs some time as well to get himself up to speed and physically in a good place.”
the signing of Cooper’s absence has made Conor Hazard the starter, with Callum Burton filling in for Argyle’s Carabao Cup games.
Soon after getting hurt, Cooper renewed his contract by 12 months, keeping him at Home Park through the summer of 2025.
Schumacher, who endured a comparable injury during his playing career, won’t rush Cooper’s return to competition.
“We’ll take our time with him to make sure he’s 100% right,” he added. “He’s been out six months.”
He is of the highest caliber, therefore we cannot wait for him to be completely fit, prepared, and competing.
Leave a Reply