Nicky Hayen: From managing Haverfordwest to the Champions League with Club Brugge

Nicky Hayen joining Haverfordwest County, a semi-professional team in the Welsh Premier League, on New Year's Eve 2021 seemed like a surprising appointment at the time. Three years later, he is leading Club Brugge into the Champions League knockout stages against Aston Villa, which is simply incredible. Hayen is the first Belgian to manage in the Welsh Premier League and one of the few non-British or Irish managers to do so. His appointment brought a unique perspective to the league.

The 44-year-old coach has led Club Brugge on a remarkable run in Europe's premier competition, eliminating Europa League title holders Atalanta in the play-off round, and his rise has been impressively rapid. He is now being hailed as one of Europe's "hottest prospects," with some commentators even suggesting Hayen could replace Arne Slot as Liverpool's manager. This rapid ascent highlights his tactical acumen and leadership abilities.

When Hayen led Haverfordwest to one of the biggest home wins of his tenure – a 6-1 victory over Cefn Druids – few of the 273 spectators at Bridge Meadow Stadium would have predicted the attention their manager would receive in a few years. But for Haverfordwest chairman Rob Edwards, it comes as no surprise, as he maintains a close friendship with Hayen and they frequently exchange messages. Edwards always believed in Hayen's potential for success.

Edwards recalls: "The guy is a workaholic. I would wake up at 8 a.m., and he would already be dressed, watching clips of the opposition, doing his analysis. I would go to bed at 11 p.m., and he would still be watching clips of games, doing his analysis." Hayen had played over 400 games in Belgium and the Netherlands, holding positions such as coach, technical director, and caretaker manager before arriving in Wales. His dedication and experience were evident from the start.

His major coaching breakthrough at Waasland-Beveren ended with the team's relegation to the Belgian second division due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He contacted Edwards through a mutual contact in Belgium and impressed the board during the interview stage with his UEFA Pro Licence and excellent presentation. Edwards explained: "We just wanted to hear everything he had to say. We decided he was the man we wanted and did everything we could to get him. Luckily, he came." This connection proved pivotal for both Hayen and Haverfordwest.

The experience and professionalism Hayen brought to the semi-professional team had an immediate impact, taking them from second-to-last to near European qualification in less than six months and implementing a possession-based, passing style of play that was rare in the Welsh top flight. Edwards said: "You could see it in the impact he had on the players. He wasn't trying to over-coach them, giving them very detailed data on the opposition, or very detailed analysis." His tactical approach was a breath of fresh air for the team.

"He spent time getting to know the players. He was very organised. He asked about their welfare; he cared about the psychological side of the game as well. He managed to get players who we probably didn't realise had the potential to, playing at an amazing level. For me, it was a massive learning curve working with someone of that level, but he was so calm. He wasn't a shouter and screamer in the dressing room – he spoke, and you listened. Although he wasn't the loudest or most aggressive person, he had an aura about him – you just wanted to listen to him." Hayen's people skills were as important as his tactical knowledge.

To his credit, Hayen seamlessly integrated into life in the Pembrokeshire market town, despite having to leave his family in Belgium. Edwards said: "Haverfordwest has a population of 14,000. It's a beautiful part of the world, but it's a bit of a culture shock. He didn't really care too much about the surroundings. He was focused on the football. He embraced the culture and didn't try to make any drastic changes. But he was just obsessed with football." His dedication transcended any cultural barriers.

"He is a family man, doesn't drink, doesn't use social media. He just puts his head down and works. He deserves everything he gets." Edwards knew this day would come, but he wished the club could have kept Hayen for longer. When Club Brugge extended an invitation in the summer of 2022 for him to take over their U23 team, Club NXT, Hayen found it impossible to refuse. The opportunity was too good to pass up for his career progression.

Edwards said: "It was a bit of a surprise. I didn't expect any conversations with a club like Club Brugge." After Scott Parker was sacked in 2023, Hayen served as assistant coach for the first team before being given the opportunity to serve as caretaker manager after Ronny Deila left last March. There, Hayen found a confidant in his former Sint-Truiden teammate and ex-Liverpool and Sunderland goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet. Mignolet's presence provided valuable support during a challenging period.

Edwards said: "When (Deila) resigned with 10 games to go last season, Nicky took over and won nine of them, and they won the league unexpectedly. It was a real statement." It was during that period that former Ajax and Anderlecht striker and commentator Jan Mulder made a prediction about Hayen's future. Hayen's impact was undeniable, leading to widespread recognition.

Mulder wrote in May 2024: "Next year (he) will be playing a series of games in the Champions League, attracting the attention of Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern and Manchester United. Nasser Al-Khelaifi of Paris Saint-Germain is also joining the chase at the last minute. Personally, I think the great Nicky Hayen will replace Arne Slot from Zwolle as Liverpool manager within two years." Mulder's bold prediction highlighted Hayen's rising star.

The first part of Mulder's prediction has already proven true – Hayen's Club Brugge defeated Villa, Sporting Lisbon and Sturm Graz in the group stage, and drew with Juventus and Celtic. The Belgian champions then defeated Atalanta 5-2 on aggregate in their play-off tie. Before that second leg in Italy, Hayen explained that he always speaks to his mother, who passed away four years ago, before matches. This personal touch reveals a deeper side to his character.

Edwards said: "What he's achieved in the Champions League is just incredible. Club Brugge have had better teams on paper over the years, but he's getting them playing at an unbelievable level. He's a workaholic, a fanatic, and he leads from the front. I think that's why a lot of the young players coming through are working hard for him and achieving great things." Hayen's leadership style inspires dedication and success.

Hayen's brief tenure in Wales has also laid the foundation for Haverfordwest's future. In 2023, under Tony Pennock, they qualified for European competition for the first time in 19 years, and only the second time in their history, reaching the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Edwards said: "It's great for the club to be associated with someone like that." His legacy extends beyond his personal achievements.

"This seems just the start for him. I hope he keeps going. I believe if he keeps doing what he's doing, he'll get the opportunity to manage at an even higher level. He's probably one of the hottest prospects in Europe." The future looks bright for Nicky Hayen, and his journey is one to watch.