QPR lauded for signing ex-Newcastle United man - It's "brilliant business" | OneFootball

FLW's QPR fan pundit has given his verdict on Isaac Hayden's role in the team following summer arrival

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Isaac Hayden has yet to start for QPR since sealing his permanent move to the club in the summer after his departure from Newcastle United.

The midfielder has twice been used as a substitute in Julien Stéphan’s side, featuring in the closing stages of 3-1 wins against both Wrexham and Charlton Athletic either side of the international break.

The 30-year-old made the move back to Loftus Road after his contract was terminated via mutual consent in August, having previously spent time on loan with the Championship side.

Hayden featured 17 times for QPR during the 2023/24 campaign, helping Martí Cifuentes’ team finish 18th in the table.

He will now be looking to cement his place as a key part of the side, with the London outfit aiming for an improvement on their 15th place result from last season.

Isaac Hayden transfer delight

When asked about Hayden’s place in the team, FLW’s QPR fan pundit Louis Moir claimed that he will get his chances to start, particularly if Stéphan ever opts for three men in the middle.

He believes the deal to sign the ex-Newcastle player is great business, and that it shows great confidence in what’s being built at Loftus Road.

“I think everyone was delighted when we managed to secure the deal for Hayden again,” Moir told Football League World.

“Obviously, instrumental really into us surviving in the Championship under Martí and it was a shame we couldn’t get him back last season.

“But, to get him back on a free especially is brilliant business.

“I think he always made it clear that he wanted to come back to the club as well, which is so important when you want players who actually play for your club and be there because they’ve got that belief that we’re building something special.

“And obviously the last few games he’s not started because I think the duo of [Nicolas] Madsen and [Jonathan] Varane has been working well.

“Hayden hasn’t come to sit on the bench every week, but there’s going to be games where he will start.

“Some weeks we might have to play three midfielders, it might be him, Varane and Madsen, for example, there’s options there.”

Isaac Hayden’s usefulness off the bench

Moir has also claimed that Hayden will be an invaluable part of the squad, as he’s someone that could prove incredibly useful off the bench, as he showed in his two appearances so far this season.

“But what a player to bring on to protect a lead or in certain situations like that, I think Wrexham away was crucial, bringing on players like him,” he added.

“When he has come on, he’s shored things up in the middle, bringing on someone with experience like Isaac Hayden is vital, really, to us as a squad.

“I think he’s going to bring a lot more than just that though, and I just think managing to secure him on a free was brilliant business, yet again.

“Another top signing that the club made this summer.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what games he will start, if he comes on in the majority of games as well.”

He continued, reiterating how much he likes this deal for QPR: “We’ve seen how good he is, how solid he is, from when we had him first spell and already into this second spell as well.

“Really like him, solid professional who hopefully stays fit and he will bring a lot, trust me, off the bench, when he’s starting.

“Off the pitch as well, in the dressing room, perfect definition of a midfielder you want at a club in a club that wants to try and achieve things in this league as well.”

QPR suffered a 7-1 defeat to Coventry City prior to Hayden joining the team, but back-to-back wins have moved the club up to 12th in the table.

The Hoops have earned seven points from a possible 15 so far, with their sights set on remaining in the top half of the standings.

Next up for Stéphan’s side is a home clash against Stoke City on 20 September in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Isaac Hayden deal is good business for QPR

Hayden hasn’t been able to play a role in Eddie Howe’s plans for Newcastle, but he is still firmly a Championship quality player.

Having him arrive as a free agent is great business for QPR, and provides them the necessary cover in midfield that they require.

The 30-year-old’s experience of playing at the highest level will also be very useful to have around the dressing room.