Chris Hackett (footballer)

Oxford United

Born in Oxford, Oxfordshire, Hackett started his career with Oxford United where he made his debut against Wigan Athletic on 8 April 2000. In his first season 1999–2000, Hackett made 2 appearance. In his second season 2000–01, Hackett made 17 appearance. On 16 December 2000, Hackett scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 win over Northampton Town. On 10 February 2001, Hackett scored his second goal in a 2–1 loss against Wycombe Wanderers. Hackett received a straight red card for the first time in his career in a 3–1 loss against Bury on 17 February 2001. On 26 October 2002, Hackett received a red card after a second bookable offence in a 2–2 draw against Shrewsbury Town. On 21 October 2003, Hackett scored his third goal for the club in a 2–2 draw against York City. On 26 December 2004, Hackett scored his fourth goal for the club in a 3–3 draw against Rushden & Diamonds. On 1 January 2005, Hackett received a straight red card in a 2–1 win over Wycombe Wanderers. On 22 January 2005, Hackett scored his fifth goal for the club in a 3–1 win over Kidderminster Harriers. On 12 March 2005, Hackett scored a brace (sixth and seventh) in a 3–1 win over Mansfield Town. On 13 August 2005, Hackett scored his eighth goal for the club in a 2–2 draw over Wycombe Wanderers. On 13 September 2005, Hackett scored his ninth goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against Bristol Rovers. On 26 November 2005, Hackett received a straight red card in a 3–2 loss against Grimsby Town.

During his career at Oxford, Hackett has been linked with Coventry City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough. Hackett was once linked with joining French Giant Olympique de Marseille, but was only given a trial.

Heart of Midlothian

On 24 January 2006 he joined former Oxford Manager Graham Rix at Scottish Premier League club Hearts in a £20,000 deal. Press speculation had linked Hackett with a move to Hearts' city rivals Hibernian, who were interested in him before his aforementioned transfer to Hearts.

During his time at Tynecastle, Hackett found first team opportunities limited to one start and one substitute appearance. His chances were not helped after Graham Rix was sacked less than two months after signing him.

In July 2006 Hackett held talks with Oxford United's hated rivals Swindon Town, although eventually the deal fell through after talks broke down over wage demands. It was rumoured Hackett was demanding a similar contract to the one he was on at Hearts. Distraught that the deal had fallen through, his agent starting sounding out lower league clubs in England, Cardiff, Bristol City and Hull City were all said to be interested.

Six years later in 2012, Hackett was linked to join Scottish side St Johnstone but Hackett would prefer to stay in England for keep close with his family and not interested to relocate even his contract at Millwall would expire this summer

Millwall

On 2 August 2006 Hackett chose to sign for Millwall. 3 days later on 5 August 2006, Hackett made his debut in a 1–1 draw against Yeovil Town. In his first season, Hackett became an effective goalscorer for Millwall, scoring 4 league goals (including 1 cup) against Bournemouth (twice in the season), Tranmere Rovers and Doncaster Rovers.

On 22 September 2008, Hackett committed his long-term future to Millwall, signing a new deal which expired in 2010. Hackett had spent most of the previous season on the injury list after suffering knee ligament damage. He has further extended his contract with the club until 2012, after recently signing a new deal. In the 2009/10 season, he was a key part of Millwall's promotion campaign via the Play-offs. On 19 September 2009, Hackett scored his first goal for Millwall in over two years as Millwall won 3–1 over Huddersfield Town. Hackett also scored in a 3–2 win over Milton Keynes Dons on 1 December 2009. He started over 30 league games, although he missed the two semi-finals of the play-offs through injury. But he did return for a substitute appearance in Millwall's victorious Wembley triumph.

Exeter City loan

On 24 November 2011, Hackett joined League One side Exeter City on loan for a month until 31 December with the option of extending the deal. Hackett made his Exeter City debut on 26 November 2011 at home to Tranmere Rovers putting in a man of the match performance where he provided an assist for Danny Coles and Richard Logan in a 3–1 win. On 26 December 2011, Hackett provided an assist for Coles again in a 3–1 loss against his future club Wycombe Wanderers.

Hackett was recalled by Millwall on 31 December 2011 following the completion of his loan spell. On the same day of being recalled, Hackett made his last appearance before coming off in early minutes for Daniel Nardiello in a 2–0 loss against Colchester United.

Loan to Wycombe Wanderers

After being recalled, Hackett made a brief appearance for Millwall. But on 21 February 2012, he joined League One side Wycombe Wanderers on a one-month loan. On 25 February 2012, Hackett made his debut for the club in a 5–0 victory over Hartlepool United. The next match against Scunthorpe United in a 4–1 loss on 3 March 2012, Hackett suffered a groin injury and made his return on 17 March 2012 in a 4–1 win over Bury. Although suffering an injury, Hackett was given a green light when his loan at Wycombe has been extended until the end of the season.

Northampton Town

On 3 July Hackett signed a 2-year deal with Northampton Town on a free transfer after being released by Millwall, ending a six-year term at the club. On 19 May 2014, Hackett agreed a 2-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2015/16 season. Hackett joined Barnet on loan in January 2016. He made five appearances for the Bees but suffered an injury in February and did not play again before the expiry of his loan.

Coaching career

Hackett joined Oxford United as under-15s coach in September 2016.