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Coulson: Debut Alright But More to Come
Saturday, 28th Aug 2021 09:29

New recruit Hayden Coulson felt his debut display last week was “alright” but has promised there is better to come during his season-long loan from Middlesbrough.

Coulson completed one hour of Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with MK Dons before making way for another summer signing in Matt Penney, who agreed a two-year deal in June after arriving on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Sheffield Wednesday, who were relegated to League One.

It was Coulson’s first senior start after he played in Boro’s 3-0 home defeat by Wycombe Wanderers on the final day of last season, making his 49th first team appearance in all competitions for the Teessiders after joining them when he was still at school.

Coulson, 23, said: “Personally, I felt I did alright last week, but at the same time I didn’t think it was one of my better games. I just need to get used to how the gaffer wants us to play and settle down. There’s more to come, definitely.

“The move here had been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks or more and it was just trying to get everything sorted, so it was nice to finally get out there and get some minutes.

“I was excited about it and even leading up to it, getting a tour of the stadium, the training ground and all the facilities.

“Now it’s about pushing on and getting the club back into the Championship. It’s good to be wanted here by the gaffer for what he sees as a promotion push.

“It was frustrating in the lead-up to the move. I got struck by Covid when I was still at Middlesbrough, so that delayed it for a week or two and it was good to get out there at last.

“To be honest, the Covid took a little bit out of me. Three or four days after testing positive I had a couple of days where I was stuck in bed but after I was up again, and then when I got back to training, I got back to normal. When I was back on the treadmill I really got going again.”


Asked how long it might take him to gain full match fitness, Coulson replied: “The game time comes round pretty quickly to be fair and you soon get used to it, as long as you are starting that is

“It takes longer if you’re only training and running, so I’d say another game or two and I should be ready. There are loads of games coming up and it will be a busy season.”

Coulson and Penney seem set to be rivals for the left-back berth in manager Paul Cook’s team, which has yet to win this season after recording two draws and two defeats in their four League One fixtures to date, plus a Carabao Cup KO by an under-strength Newport County.

“It’s good to have some competition for places because it helps to drive the squad to do better,” added Coulson.

“It’s one of them where if a player gets injured the one who is coming in has to be ready to go and come in and take charge. I’ve had a few chats with the gaffer and he knows I came here to play and get as many games as possible under my belt.

“Any player wanting to play regularly has to perform in training, as well as in games, and keep it going.”

Regarding Cook’s preferred “front foot” approach, Coulson continued: “It’s a lot different to what I was used to at Middlesbrough so it’s just about getting used to the change again.

“He definitely wants us to play football from the back and be an attacking team, and I prefer that as my favourite style of play. That was another thing that ticked a box and helped to persuade me to come here.

“It definitely helps me to have an attacking edge to my game. The gaffer knows I like to get forward when I have a chance — he’s said I should bomb on and do my thing whenever I can — so I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ve played left-back, on the left of midfield, left-wing, right-wing and I don’t mind any of them to be fair. They all involve doing a specific job and it’s all about knowing that job and what is expected of you.

“The further forward I am, the more chance there is of me getting among the goals and providing assists for others to score.

“I even fancy getting involved in set pieces and I was trying a few in training the other day.

“They were going well — I hit a few into the top corner! I can provide crosses, I can get in the box and hopefully I can get some good numbers this season for Ipswich.”

Coulson, whose Middlesbrough contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2023, isn’t looking too far ahead in terms of his future. He said: “This move to Ipswich is hopefully going to be about me getting regular game time, which is what I feel I need at this stage of my career.

“The Middlesbrough squad isn’t the largest at the moment but I felt I needed to get out and play regularly if possible.

“I’ve been with Boro for a few years. I was 14 when I was playing at a tournament in Redcar for my Saturday or Sunday team and they spotted me.

“I had been at both Newcastle and Sunderland prior to this but I think I was a bit too young when I was with them. I mean, I was only six or seven when I was at Sunderland, and it was a bit too much at that age. It wasn’t in terms of enjoyment but it was a bit forward for everything.

“After Middlesbrough came in for me I just cracked on from there. There was speculation about Newcastle being interested in me a couple of seasons ago and there have been a few clubs who wanted to sign me, whether permanently or on loan, and it was Boro’s decision what they wanted to do.

“They thought it was best to get me out on loan now because I have another year left on my contract after this season and I agreed.

“Yes, it would have been nice to stay around a club where I’ve been for a while now and play in the Championship, but all things considered I think this was my best option. Whatever happens next year, who knows?”


Photo: Matchday Images



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Europablue added 06:56 - Aug 27
On Saturday, everytime he got the ball it was exciting and scary at the same time because he loves to push forward, but can be a defensive liability. That can work if the other defenders are on the same wavelength and give him good cover. It will help for them all to play together for a few games.
3

Dissboyitfc added 08:02 - Aug 27
looked off the pace a little and a little lightweight, so would hope there is more to come. going by saturday i prefer penney.
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Vic added 08:19 - Aug 27
I'm sure he's a very decent player and him and Penney will spur each other on this season. But im glad to see him admit that Saturday wasn't his greatest game. He lost the ball too many times too far up the field and left so much space behind him. I'm was amazed that MKD didn't capitalize on this because 1st half they had a man out wide who was free so many times. Thankfully we just about managed to get a man across in the nick of time to save the day. Exciting, but I hope the team sort out better cover for him when he goes forward!
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Linkboy13 added 09:10 - Aug 27
I was amazed by how small he was. Got caught out defensively at times but far too early to say if he's better than Penney both have similar weaknesses defensively.
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ArnieM added 09:24 - Aug 27
We'll need two solid CB's insitu to cover for KVY and Coulson's forward runs , so I hope Edmundson is fit to join Burgess on Saturday. It can't come soon enough .
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Bazza8564 added 09:31 - Aug 27
To be fair I agree with comments above about looking a little vulnerable and off the pace. He looked very keen going forward, almost too much so with nervous energy on his debut. Im sure he will settle and with Penney we have two good lads to cover that position. Hoping to see a bit more composure and a little less frenzy tomorrow but overall im sure hes going to be a real asset.
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shakytown added 09:39 - Aug 27
the whole team needs to go up several gears and soon or another season will be gone.
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BobbyBell added 10:12 - Aug 27
I know some on here hate the word gelling already but players will take time to get to know each other's games. Covering others defensively when they go forward is part of that. The more these players play together the more they will understand each others games. Then the partnerships will develop and they will learn to know when someone is going to bomb forward and automatically step in to cover. Knowing what your team mates are likely to do or runs they are likely to make is all part of becoming a team. Trusting each other is also a big part in a successful team. These things don't happen quickly so we must be patient.
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:58 - Aug 28
Covid takes a toll on the body, couldnt expect him to really be 100% , he will improve, hope he has a good game coyb
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number8 added 10:48 - Aug 28
If he does get caught out up the pitch the two defensive centre minds are surely there in this system to cover that scenario on both sides of the pitch. Hopefully this will all improve as we move forward.
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number8 added 10:48 - Aug 28
Centre mids ^
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