Former Blackburn Rovers defender set to help Kitchee return to Hong Kong top flight

Haddow’s return to the city, eight years after leaving for England, brings to an end a period in which his motivation was tested by the “lack of a clear path” in Blackburn.

At Under-21 level, Haddow played against the likes of Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Manchester City’s Rico Lewis, but never managed to break into the senior team.

Kitchee was, however, eager to sign the 20-year-old after the deposed champions pledged to embark on a new era built on young talent.

“I am very happy to be back. Kitchee is a big club, with big ambitions,” said Haddow, who played in Kitchee’s youth teams. “After the difficulties of last season, we are determined to win back the league. Another important goal is the Asian Champions League, we want to qualify and do well for Hong Kong.”

Haddow has twice tried to terminate his contract with Blackburn at the start of the 2023-24 season, “due to a lack of communication about my path”.

“Every time I asked what my plan was, I didn’t get a clear answer,” Haddow said. “If I tried to look for a loan, Blackburn gave me no support. I played over 60 games in the Under-21 Premier League competitions, but my position as a player was constantly changing.”

“My coaches were fantastic, but there were some individuals who clearly hindered my development. I was relieved when I was allowed to leave at the end of my contract.”

Haddow joined the English Championship club at the age of 12, shortly after moving to Moorland Boarding School, which has links with professional clubs based in the North West.

The decision to move abroad was born out of a “lack of development opportunities for aspiring young players in Hong Kong.”

Ten days of training with Aston Villa in 2015 exposed Haddow to “players my age who were at a much higher level”.

“It motivated me to work even harder and made me realize that I needed that level of competition constantly to grow,” Haddow said.

In the summer of 2022, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland both expressed interest in Haddow, but Blackburn demanded compensation.

“It was a ridiculous price for an 18-year-old with no senior experience,” Haddow said.

When finally offered a six-figure sum, with added bonuses, Blackburn declined.

Eventually, Haddow signed his first two-year professional contract with Blackburn.

“It was tough because I didn’t see a path forward at Blackburn, but I committed to always doing my best in training and in games,” Haddow said. “You never know who’s watching. I felt like I had a good two years, playing against top teams and players.

“I’ve seen that football can be cruel, but I still love it and I’m excited about what I can achieve with Kitchee.”

Adam Wharton, Haddow’s close friend and former Blackburn colleague, who is accompanying England to the European Championship, has been “very helpful and encouraging”.

“We’ve had some really good talks,” Haddow said. “I met him twice in London after he joined Crystal Palace (in February). He’s by far the best player I’ve played with and he’s very humble.”

Regarding his own international plans, Haddow acknowledged that a Hong Kong passport “would be a big commitment.”

“I haven’t made a decision (on the passport issue) yet,” he said. “What’s important is how I develop in Kitchee and what my journey will look like.”

Haddow said moving to the UK remains the “best decision I’ve ever made”. “I’m grateful to have spent eight years at a top-class academy and met some fantastic people,” he said.

“I want to be a footballer as much as I did when I was 12 and I will do everything to make it my career for the next 15 years.”