‘This is your time’ – Leo Percovich recalls giving Hayden Hackney his Middlesbrough chance

Former Middlesbrough interim manager Leo Percovich recalled how he gave midfielder Hayden Hackney his breakthrough opportunity in October 2022. Following Chris Wilder's dismissal, Percovich consulted academy boss Craig Liddle before promoting Hackney straight into the first-team lineup, trusting the youngster's pace and technique ahead of established starter Riley McGree.

Percovich also asked senior players Jonny Howson, Dael Fry, and Matt Crooks to protect Hackney on the pitch. The interim boss oversaw five matches, including a 4-1 victory at Wigan where Hackney scored his first senior goal, before Michael Carrick was appointed permanent manager.