Haydn, 31, began his football career with Notts County, completing a scholarship with the club before signing a professional contract ahead of the 2011/12 season. Following a loan spell with Barrow, Haydn made his debut for County in January of 2012, starting in the 2-2 league draw at home to Huddersfield Town. Continuing his development with further loans at Hinkley United and Darlington FC, Haydn began to feature more regularly for Notts County thereafter and would go on to make over a century of appearances for The Magpies across both League One and League Two before departing the club during the 2018/19 campaign.
After half a season at Forest Green Rovers, Haydn’s loan move to Chesterfield at the beginning of the following season would become a permanent one ahead of the 2019/20 campaign getting under way. Part of the squad which would reach the National League play-off places in consecutive season’s, Haydn’s time with The Spireites was hampered by injury in the latter stages of his time in Derbyshire, and the defender made a fresh start for the 2022/23 campaign by joining Ebbsfleet United. A key component in The Fleet’s title-winning National League South side last term, where they claimed the league title by a 20 point margin, Haydn now takes up a new challenge joining Dorking Wanderers.
Looking forward to getting started, Haydn says:
“It’s great to be here and get it all done. Dorking is a very ambitious club that I’m delighted to be part of it. Hopefully I play a big part moving forwards and contribute to the club being as successful as they have been in the past.”
Manager Marc White has tracked Haydn’s progress in recent times and is very pleased to complete the signing:
“We’ve always had close links with Ebbsfleet and therefore watched Haydn on quite a few occasions last year. We’ve kept track of the data and stats on Haydn, who had an exceptional year last season in that title-winning Ebbsfleet team. Haydn is a left-footed centre back, 6’4, and someone who I can see very much fitting into how we play and what we continue to build here at the football club.”
Haydn will feature in this evening’s friendly against Raynes Park Vale at Meadowbank and will be included in the matchday squad for Saturday’s National League fixture at home to Boreham Wood. It has been confirmed that Haydn will wear shirt No19.