Coulson very eager to get back on track
AFTER a couple of difficult seasons, Hayden Coulson wants to “prove himself” and get his career back on track.
The Boro wing-back this week linked up with Aberdeen on a season-long loan and is desperate to reignite a career which has stalled somewhat in the last two campaigns.
Coulson burst on to the scene with Boro in the 2019/20 season and was one of the best performers during Jonathan Woodgate’s time in charge, earning himself a new longterm contract with the club.
He struggled to nail down a spot under Neil Warnock and then had two unsuccessful loan spells at Ipswich Town and Peterborough last term, returning to Boro in the summer to be told by Chris Wilder that he was not part of his plans.
Coulson knew after those conversations with Wilder he had to look for another move this summer but after last season’s frustrating spells the 24-year-old knew this next switch was one he had to get right.
Given he has endured two frustrating campaigns, it is understandable Coulson’s confidence has taken something of a hit, but he is desperate to get back on track with Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.
Coulson said: “I am going into the last year of my contract with Middlesbrough.
“I had a few chats with the club and I was not in the plans there so I needed to go, play at a good level, show what I can do and then go from there.
“In terms of Aberdeen, it’s a huge club and we need to just crack on and get up that table.
“I just need to prove myself and prove to other people as well but mainly myself, that I am more than capable of playing at a good standard.
“If that does mean my next year is here or elsewhere then so be it.
“I am just focused on getting my head down and getting some games at the minute.
“It was a quick turnaround coming up here but as the days go on I will set myself what I need to do through the season.”
On his move to Aberdeen, Coulson added: “I just wanted to get out playing football and I saw the size of the club, the fans, everything. It was a good move.”
This time last year Coulson had linked up with Ipswich, one of a wave of new arrivals at Portman Road as the Tractor Boys invested heavily in search of promotion to the Championship.
He was excited about the move at the time but says with hindsight Ipswich paid the price for their squad overhaul.
He said: “I enjoyed it and I was excited about the move.
“That was another club which was ready to progress, they signed a lot of new players and spent a good bit of money.
“It was something stupid, I think I was like the 14th or 15th new player and they were still bringing in players after that so it was a full new turnaround.
“I think from the fans’ point of view everyone thought, because on paper it was a top, top team, especially for League One, that it would happen straight away - but if you bring in that many players they need time to get together and learn how to play the style of play.
“It was a carnage pre-season type of thing with that many new players in there.
“I think once you have it click with your squad you know how certain individuals play and how certain people want to play.”