Simon Hackney

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Simon John Hackney (born 5 February 1984) is an English former footballer who recently played for Northwich Victoria.

Hackney joined Nantwich Town in November 2001,^[2] leaving for Woodley Sports in the summer of 2003. He impressed on trial for the non-league outfit, scoring two goals in two games for the reserves. He signed for Carlisle United in February 2005 and made his debut as a substitute in Carlisle's 3–0 win away at Canvey Island. He made only one more appearance that season, again as a sub, in a defeat to Forest Green Rovers. At the end of the season Carlisle were promoted to League Two. In the 2005–06 season he made many more appearances for Carlisle, although most of them came after being brought into the game as a sub. He scored his first two professional goals in Carlisle's 5–0 win against Rushden & Diamonds. These were the first of six goals he scored in his 30 league appearances that season, making him a key part of the promotion winning team, helping Carlisle to gain a second successive promotion, to League One. During Carlisle's first season in league one Hackney was only able to make 18 appearances, due to him picking up a serious injury to his knee cartilage in December. However, in those 18 games he did manage to score two goals. Hackney managed to recover from his knee injury in time for the 2007–08 season, which enabled him to make himself a key part of the team again, making 45 league appearances for the club and scoring eight times, including a vital goal to help Carlisle end Leeds United's undefeated start to the season with 3–1 win. During the first half of the 2008–09 season he made 22 appearances for Carlisle but only managed to score one goal against Crewe Alexandra. However, towards the middle of the season his form dropped slightly and Jeff Smith took his place in the starting line up. Colchester United made two enquiries which were both rejected, with one reported offer of £25,000 being called 'a mickey-take'. Colchester then came back with an improved 'six-figure' offer which Carlisle accepted on 26 January. During his time at Carlisle, Hackney made over 100 appearances for the club, helped them gain successive promotions and became a huge favourite with the fans.

Simon arrived at the Weston Homes Community Stadium during the January transfer window of 2009 for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £120,000, and immediately became a fans favourite with his skilful and exciting performances on the left wing for Colchester. He provided several assists in the opening games of the 2009–10 season, including three in the 7–1 victory at Norwich City and the assist for the second goal against Yeovil Town. Simon scored his first goal of the season with an injury-time free kick against Leyton Orient in a 2–1 home defeat in the League Cup 1st Round. He also scored in the FA Cup 1st Round against Bromley on 7 November 2009. After leaving the U's twice on loan to League Two clubs, it was clear his future lay away from Colchester United and he was subsequently released from his contract on 4 May 2011.

On 8 March 2010 Hackney joined Morecambe on a month-long loan,^[3] which was later extended to 8 May with the option of the play-off games if needed.^[4] Due to a 24-hour recall clause in the deal, Aidy Boothroyd recalled him to Colchester on 15 April.^[5]

On 24 June 2011 Hackney signed a one-year deal at Spotland. He had an incredible pre-season where he was a goal threat, but an abdominal injury limited him to a total of two appearances in the league campaign.

On 5 July 2012 he joined Wrexham on trial, along with ex-Coventry City midfielder Kevin Thornton and former Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper Andy Coughlin.^[6]

On 14 September 2012 Hackney signed for Conference North side FC Halifax Town on a one month trial, making his debut as a 60th-minute substitute a day later in a 5–0 victory over Gloucester City.

On 7 December 2012 Hackney signed for Hereford United, but left the club on 8 January 2013 after only making one league appearance against Barrow. ^[7]

In February 2013, Hackney signed for Stockport County on non-contract terms.^[8]

In September 2013, Hackney signed for Northwich Victoria.^[9]

After retiring from football, Hackney qualified as a personal trainer and now runs a fitness business in Stockport.^[10]

As of 13 March 2011.

• Does not include Football League Trophy appearances.

Carlisle United

• Football League Two: 2005–06^[12]
• Football League Trophy runner-up: 2005–06^[13]

• Simon Hackney at Soccerbase
• Simon Hackney at Soccerway