Micah Hyde was born on the 10th November 1974 in Upton Park, he played youth team football for Brimsdown Rovers alongside former England International David Beckham before joining Cambridge United as a youth team player, he signed a professional contract in 1993 and went onto captain the club whilst making 106 appearances, scoring 14 goals whilst at Abbey Stadium he also had a loan spell with Finish club Euran Pallo making 10 appearances, scoring 3 goals before moving to Watford.
The midfielder was part of the Hornets squad that played in the Premier League during the 1999–00 season. He made over 252 league appearances, scoring 24 goals for the club between 1997 and 2004. Whilst at Vicarage Road he became a international footballer making seventeen appearances for Jamaica scoring one goal for the “Reggae Boyz”.
After leaving Watford he joined Burnley scoring on his debut against Sheffield United, he became an established Championship player and was largely considered one of Burnley’s most consistent performers. His hard-working play in the centre of the park made him almost ever-present in the side. In the 2004-05 season, he ensured himself of a place in Burnley’s history when he scored the equalising goal for the Clarets against local rivals Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.
At the end of the 2005-06 season, manager Steve Cotterill placed him on the transfer list along with Gifton Neol-Williams, Danny karbassiyoon and Duane Courtney, but due to his efforts in pre-season he was welcomed back into the first-team squad and taken off the transfer list. He did eventually leave Turf Moor in January 2017, moving south to join Peterborough United for an initial fee of £75,000 plus an extra £25,000 if “The Posh” were promoted in that season.
Hyde, spent two years at Peterborough United but left the club by mutual consent in the November 2008 in his second season with the club. The following month he went on trial at Gillingham and was expected to sign in the January transfer window, however he opted to join Vauzhall Conference side Woking until the end of the season. In the summer of 2009 after another trial he briefly returned to the Football League with Barnet before finishing his career in the Non-League with Billericay Town, Aveley and St Albans City.
After being retired for around four years, he came out of retirement in January 2016 and signed for Southerm Football League side Ware Football Club who were managed by Ken Charley. Having played in one game, which was a 2-1 defeat against Kings Langley on the 30th January 2016. He then returned to football in January 2018, he joined Dagenham & Redbridge as an academy coach. Chadwick Media this week caught up with the former Clarets midfielder to discuss his football career and his time at Turf Moor.
INTERVIEW
Biggest influence on your career in football?
My parents, without their love, support and guidance I would not have a career. My father told me from a very young age how to play this game, what I needed to do to be effective and we trained. Once I acquired this knowledge it underpinned everything I did, enabling me to be successful and adaptable to a variety of tactics, formations, style of play, coaches and managers I played under throughout my career. I felt empowered from a young age, I now know the info my father gave me was, game understanding. I was also very fortunate to cross paths with some fantastic people, I cannot name them all but a few that influenced me greatly were Stuart Underwood, Pat Holland, Tommy Taylor, Roy McFarland, Graham Taylor, Kenny Jackett, Dave Kevon and Ray Wilkins.
What is your best football highlight?
I’m not sure if I can pick just one highlight from my career, however several moments come to mind, the first would be my football league debut for Cambridge United, the second would be my international debut against Honduras in a World Cup Qualification game at Independence Park on the 25th April 2001. The third thing would be all of the promotions I have been involved in and also playing and winning at Wembley Stadium.
Tell us about your Football League Debut?
It’s so long ago I remember being very nervous and excited, it went well I managed to stay in the team and go onto captain the side. Fantastic times, with excellent players and great learning for me. Cambridge United was a wonderful club that treated us as young youth team players very well.
Best Manager you Played for and Why?
Stuart Underwood he was my Sunday league manager, he set tremendous foundations with principles and attitude. He treated us like you pros and we responded magnificently. It’s know coincidence several of us from that team became professional footballers. Then Graham Taylor was my best in the professional game, he had an intrinsic belief in his players/teams ability, an holistic approach that I immediately identified with & related to.
Best Goal you Scored and Why?
Again, its difficult to name just one goal, two goals come to mind and both significance to myself, family and promotion run in the season. The first goal was for Watford at home to Bolton Wanderers the day my son was born. The second goal was for Burnley against Blackburn Rovers, significant for the fans and myself for the fantastic treatment the club had given me while I was there it was very pleasing to score. Both goals weren’t to shabby either if I remember, Drive into top corner and a dipping left foot half volley.
Toughest Opponent You faced and Why?
I cannot not recall my toughest opponent to be honest, I respected every player and team regardless if it was a top Premier League team or a team in Sky Bet League Two. Of course the levels of quality was different but I understood its tough to overcome an opponent, but some you win some you don’t.
Best Player you Played with and Why?
The best player that I played alongside was Richard Johnson we formed a formidable partnership in the middle of the park at Watford. Johno would bring the power and I would bring the guile. We knew each others strengths and complimented each others style, it was delightful playing with him.
Having played & scored against local rivals Blackburn Rovers could you tell about the experience, how it is different from other games and what it is like around the town & training ground in the lead up to the game?
I never understood the rivalry between the two clubs until I got there. Its fantastic the whole towns buzzing the week leading up to the game. As players and the staff we try to focus on the game as any other, but its pretty hard when every fan is telling you how great it would be if we beat them.
What was it like playing football in Finland for Euran Pallo and how did it differ from the UK?
Another experience that I’m grateful of receiving and stood me in good stead at such a young age. I remember at the time the culture, the game was played at slower pace and more than technical in the UK which I enjoyed immensely.
You are a Jamaica International, having played 17 games between 2001-04 could you tell us what it was like to get your first international cap and how is international level different from club level?
Proud was the overall feeling. Any player fortunate to play internationally it enriches your game immensely. It provides opportunities to play against top opposition, with various tactics and styles of play. Crucially also you get to see how these teams prepare and conduct themselves, alongside experiencing different countries and cultures. Overall a great learning experience.
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