From Haverfordwest to Champions League: The Remarkable Journey of Nicky Hayen
Nicky Hayen’s meteoric rise from managing semi-professional Haverfordwest County to leading Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League is a story of dedication, hard work, and a passion for football that has propelled him to the top of the sport. In 2021, when he took the helm at Haverfordwest, a club in the Cymru Premier, the appointment seemed surprising. However, just three years later, Hayen is leading Club Brugge into a Champions League knockout tie against Aston Villa, a journey that has many in the football world taking notice.
The Early Days: A Workaholic in West Wales
Hayen, a 44-year-old Belgian, was a pioneer in the Welsh Premier League, becoming the first Belgian manager and one of the few non-British or non-Irish managers to take on the challenge. His journey to Wales was a circuitous one, marked by coaching, technical director, and caretaker manager roles in Belgium and Saudi Arabia. His major managerial breakthrough came at Waasland-Beveren, though it ended in relegation due to the pandemic. However, it was his Uefa Pro Licence and a compelling interview that caught the attention of Haverfordwest chairman Rob Edwards.
Edwards recounts Hayen’s relentless work ethic: "The guy was a workaholic. I would wake up at 8 am and he’d be dressed, watching clips of opposition, doing analysis. I’d go to bed at 11 pm, and he’d still be up, watching clips and doing analysis." Hayen’s impact was immediate, transforming Haverfordwest from second-bottom to the verge of European qualification within six months. His methodical approach, focus on player welfare, and possession-based football were rare in the Welsh top flight, and the results spoke for themselves.
The Man behind the Mask: A Family Man and Football Fanatic
Despite the cultural shock of moving to a small market town like Haverfordwest, Hayen embraced the community and focused on his work. "There are 14,000 people who live in Haverfordwest. It’s a beautiful part of the world but a bit of a culture shock," Edwards reflects. "He wasn’t really too concerned about what was around him. He was focused on the football. He embraced the culture and didn’t try to change anything drastically. But he was just obsessed with football."
Hayen is a family man, doesn’t drink, and doesn’t use social media. His dedication to the game and his players was evident in the way he connected with them. "He didn’t try to over-coach them, give them very detailed stats about the opposition, [or] very detailed analysis," Edwards adds. "He spent his time getting to know the players. He managed to get a really amazing standard out of players we probably didn’t realise had it in them."
A Step Up: From Haverfordwest to Club Brugge
The success at Haverfordwest did not go unnoticed. In the summer of 2022, Club Brugge approached Hayen to take over their Under-23s, Club NXT. This was a significant step up, but it was just the beginning. When Scott Parker was sacked in 2023, Hayen stepped in as first-team assistant and later took over as interim manager after Ronny Deila’s departure in March 2023.
Hayen’s leadership skills were on full display during this period. "When [Deila] stepped down with 10 games to go last season, Nicky stepped in and won nine of them and they came out of nowhere to win the league. That was a real statement," Edwards notes. Hayen’s relationship with former Sint-Truiden team-mate and ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet proved invaluable, providing him with a trusted confidant during this challenging time.
Champions League Success: A Turnaround for the Ages
Hayen’s impact at Club Brugge has been nothing short of spectacular. Under his guidance, the Belgian champions have won five of their 10 Champions League games this season, including victories against Aston Villa, Sporting, and Sturm Graz, as well as draws with Juventus and Celtic. They followed up by defeating Europa League holders Atalanta in the play-offs, winning 5-2 on aggregate.
Hayen’s connection with his players and his tactical acumen have been key to this success. "What he has achieved in the Champions League is just incredible. Club Brugge over the years have had far better sides on paper, but he is getting an incredible tune out of them," Edwards says. "He is a workaholic, fanatical, and leads from the front. I guess that is why a lot of these younger players who are coming through are working so hard for him and having great success."
The Future Looks Bright: A Hot Property in European Football
Hayen’s success has not gone unnoticed, and he is now being touted as one of Europe’s "hottest properties." Pundits are even suggesting that he could be Arne Slot’s replacement at Liverpool. Former Ajax and Anderlecht striker Jan Mulder predicted Hayen’s rise in May 2024, writing that he would play a series of matches in the Champions League, attracting the attention of top clubs like Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, with Paris St-Germain also joining the fray.
For Haverfordwest, Hayen’s legacy is already being felt. In 2023, under Tony Pennock, the club qualified for Europe for the first time in 19 years and only the second time in their history, reaching the Europa Conference League second qualifying round. "It’s great for the club to be associated with someone like that," Edwards says. "It seems like it is only the start for him. I would love for him to go on. I am sure there will be opportunities to manage even higher if he carries on. He is probably one of the hottest properties in Europe."
Nicky Hayen’s journey from a small Welsh town to the heights of European football is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion for the game. As he continues to lead Club Brugge in the Champions League, the future looks incredibly bright, and the football world is watching with great anticipation.
