Aaron Hayden scored in Wrexham’s derby triumph over Tranmere.
AARON HAYDEN had to watch from the stands as Wrexham won the National League title in style, but the centre-half never gave up hope and vowed to return fresher and stronger.
The 26-year-old suffered a calf injury in the 3-3 FA Cup fourth round tie against Sheffield United on January 29, keeping him out for the remainder of the season.
Hayden was absent when Phil Parkinson’s side narrowly beat Notts County to automatic promotion after a dramatic title race, and he also missed the Reds’ return to the Football League due to a groin injury.
However, Hayden made his return in last Tuesday’s Carabao Cup second round fixture against Bradford City, which Bradford City won on penalties, and the defender also started Saturday’s League One match.
It was difficult to keep the faith while healing from an injury, but Hayden did.
“I can’t lie, it’s been difficult,” he admitted.
“At the start of the season, I picked up another minor groin injury just as I was getting ready to go.”
“But now that I’m back, I’m ready and fit.” It’s time to get started.
“Nothing is straight; everything is up and down.” That is the way of life. It is all about how you deal with setbacks and having the mental fortitude to triumph.
“I always believe in myself, stay focused, do my rehab, and come back fitter and stronger.”
“There are some people in the world who have bigger problems than being injured.”
Hayden only missed one league game last season due to a calf injury, scoring 11 goals in 26 appearances.
He never appeared in the final three months of the season, but winning promotion to the Football League made up for it.
“It was difficult for me,” Hayden acknowledged, “but we achieved our collective goal, which was more important than what I wanted to do.”
“We won the league, and now it’s time to get out of this league.”
“You can’t live in the past; it’s all about the future.”
