Yes agree with that. Nørgaard will free him up.kramer wrote: ↑Tue Aug 04, 2026 10:44 pm We’ll find out.
I will say that, as much defensive work as both men get through, playing with Gana and Iroegbunam does require you to be a bit more restrained positionally to hold things together in the middle. Garner had to play with a lot of discipline last season.
Maybe Norgaard allows him to come off his leash a bit and take more risks positionally and with the ball. I’m not expecting it but it’s within the realm of possibility.
Mostly, I’m just disappointed because I feel that Hackney could be Wharton-lite progression machine who helps us control matches and this eats into his opportunities severely.
And in terms of Garner's development I don't think it's been a bad thing - its made him a more complete midfielder - almost made him a World Cup option as well, so he'll have to be happy with his progress.
It's the fine balance (and manager's headache) that having quality as cover brings, a problem we've not really had for some time. I think we often forget what is sitting on better teams benches and how the morale/growth is impacted - as we don't have that problem.
It gives us flexibility and options though (if Moyes chooses them). We're going to need the depth if we are to make Europe this season. I think we'd have been in trouble had we made it last season. Imagining what it would have been like in here with a European competition to recruit for and perhaps not the funds and depth to do it.
If Hackney were to get 20~25 games this season that's a reasonable start to life in the top division, and that his form will have warranted selection. It will prevent us from having to pull Armstrong off a loan if any injuries.
Who knows, maybe Nørgaard will be cover more than expected. But knowing Moyes perhaps not.
To add: I've been very impressed with Hackney, he looks snappy and forward looking, and think he certainly has the progressive edge, something we've lacked. Complements our options nicely.