Club News Brief

Q&A: Garner & Hackney On How Everton Have Improved, Grealish & Unbeaten Start

2026-09-29

James, you've had a slightly delayed start to the season with your injury. What's the latest on that? James Garner: I'm getting back to full fitness. It's been a bit of a struggle, but I've had a few games now, and I feel like each game I'm getting better. You’re back in the team now. What's the start of the season been like? You’re unbeaten so far. JG: Exactly, yeah, it's been a positive one. We took a good point away on the weekend and maybe could have won it, as well. So, to be unbeaten so far has been good and, you know, we're looking to – of course – it'd be a miracle if we stayed unbeaten for the rest of the season, but we want to keep winning. Hayden, you were Championship Player of the Season last year. How have you found the transition to the Premier League? Hayden Hackney: Yeah, good. What I expected, really. But so far, I’ve really enjoyed it. What's the main difference? HH: Probably the physicality, I would think. I'll probably say that's the main difference. Tell us about the friendship between the pair. You play very similar positions, very similar roles on the pitch but you've known each other for a while? JG: Yeah, well we've known of each other. We're a year apart so in the England set up, so we were always a year apart but since he's come into the group, he's been class. He's class around the lads and his quality on the pitch is even better. He's a bit of a dope! But yeah, we get on really well. A bit of a dog? He likes to get his foot in? JG: No, a dope! Yeah, a dope. He's in the room, then he's not in the room. And Hayden, what are James’ main qualities? HH: From watching him last year, I think he had an unbelievable year. To be fair, his off-the-ball work has really impressed in training. Obviously, I knew he's a good player, but off the ball as well, he's been very good. And for you, personally, what's the manager said that you need to improve to become established as a Premier League footballer? HH: I think it's just the timing. Obviously, I've come on, started the first game and then come on a few times. I think it's just getting used to the quickness of this league. But yeah, I'm confident I can adapt to it. A lot's been made of the fact it's a small squad. Has that made it like a band of brothers, a backs-to-the-wall effort? JG: Exactly that, yeah. I think you can look at it in whatever way you want, really, but for us as players and staff, we've looked at it in terms of we're all in this together and we've got a lot of quality. So, there's no reason why we can't just keep on pushing and have a good season. Jack Grealish is back in the house. What's he been like about the place? JG: He's just the same old. He's just Jack. Loud, funny, bubbly, but then at the same time on the pitch, he brings a lot of quality. We're pleased to have him back. And for you now, you're one of the more experienced heads, if you like, even at the age of 25. Do you feel you're taking on a bit of a leadership role? JG: Yeah, I think it comes a little bit more natural to me anyway. The first few years were tough for me. I had two serious injuries and I was a young lad coming into such a senior group with Seamus and Tarky and all these type of lads. But now a couple of the senior lads have now moved on, and I feel like it's only natural now for me to step up and lead. For you personally Hayden, what would success look like this season? HH: Playing as many games as possible, earning the manager's trust and yeah, adding to the team with my qualities that I've shown last year. You mentioned that some experienced heads have moved on, but there must be a young vibe about the place? With people like Tyrique George coming through, Harrison Armstrong, players like that. JG: Exactly that, yeah. I think we've probably looked a little bit different than we were last season, as well, in terms of we look faster, dynamic – that youthful energy.