Don't listen to the fool's on here mate - Hayden is a very good player - he will break up play well, defensively solid option. Not sure who you have of that mould but he will certainly be a step up. He's not going to ping 40-50 yard passes around but he'll win you the ball back constantly! People here couldn't see his qualities but he is a very good player and I hope he does well for you this season and ends up coming back here tbh.
I always liked him and I think he'll be an excellent addition in the Championship. I'd say he could do a job for most sides in the prem where you need to have someone on to break up the play and start attacks. Thing is now we have Joe and Bruno doing that for us and they offer more in other departments.
No point dressing it up, he has shown himself not to be good enough at PL level - our midfield is the main reason why we've spent so long in the doldrums. But he is a good championship player. Gives the ball away too much at the top level but more than anything his use of the ball just lacks a bit of culture. People will present stats etc to justify his existence at PL level (they always have) but when you watch him week in week out he's just not great with the ball. For what you need him for he's a good option. Not good enough with the ball to play central midfield in the PL bar maybe a relegation threatened side. Which is what we've been for many years now. I still think he would be better at centre back personally. In the Championship though he will do a good job screening the defence and help you stay in the league should you come straight back up. His attitude and commitment is first class. Obviously that only takes you so far though.
