REBIRTH AT NEWCASTLE

to sign him. Just like that.

Benitez is known as a tactician with an incredible eye for detail. What is less known is that he has actually written an analysis of the differences in playing central midfield in five different countries (England, Argentina, Germany, Italy and Spain).

If there was the perfect next manager for Hayden then it was Benitez. But there was no let-up from the Spanish gaffer’s cajoling even away from the training ground because when Hayden first moved to Newcastle they ended up living in the same apartment block.

“I’ve moved now,” laughs Hayden. “He used to turn up and sometimes it was a little bit awkward!

“There was a restaurant round the corner where I’d get my dinner from the day before a game.

“They’d do lovely chicken and pasta dishes, I’d go and collect it and he’d come home from training at the same time as I’d come back with my food.

“There was a communal car park and a lift would go up to the apartments. He used to catch me as I’d come out of the car. One time I was sitting in the car, waiting for him to go up in the lift but he was waiting by the door of his car for me. He knows I’m there and he’s ready to pounce on me: ‘Isaac!’

“I wanted to eat my food, it was getting cold, and he’d just want to talk football for half an hour!”

Those chats have formed a strong bond and a common goal of ensuring Newcastle re-establish themselves as a force in the Premier League.

“The target has to be survival,” said Hayden. “At Newcastle it’s so intense. If you’re doing well, it’s the best place in the world to be. If you’re not doing well then it’s difficult.

“We’re not that far behind Arsenal in terms of size of club because the fans make it a big club but right now the stature isn’t what it used to be.

“But we’ll get it back because it’s a religion for our fans. It’s crazy and an honour at the same time really.”