Coming from Blackburn Rovers’ youth system with over 30 PL2 appearances, Jay Haddow’s first professional season in Hong Kong wasn’t easy. Now in his "sophomore" year, Jay has already picked up two MOTM awards. While his talent is finally getting its recognition, he remains unfazed by the noise from the sidelines.
Jay is well aware of his critics. "I don’t read Chinese, but my favorite app is Google Translate." He’s clear that two awards won't change the narrative. "I chose to be a footballer, and no one is ever going to be pleased with me all the time. That’s just football."
In an era where voices are everywhere, Jay has learned how to filter what he takes to heart. "I trust and value my father’s opinion." Beyond that, he is his own harshest critic: "I criticize myself a lot and I set high standards."
Given his Blackburn roots, fans often hold Jay to a higher standard. While he competed against the best youth players in the world, he acknowledges that senior football is a different level entirely. "I’m still learning every day. I hope to still be playing when I’m 35 or 36. For me, all I care about is enjoying my football."
The original article was published in the matchday program for Kitchee vs HKFC in the Hong Kong Premier League on March 1, 2026.