and put some good crosses into the six-yard box. Other players had chances to get the ball into areas where it can hurt defenders, but didn't do it." However, halfway through the season Hackett and team-mate Dean Whitehead were criticised by Atkins for refusing to follow a fitness programme, an accusation denied by the pair, who claimed a misunderstanding. Hackett made seventeen first-team appearances during the season. In 2002–03, Hackett was given the number 7 shirt following the departure of Martin Thomas. In a match against Swansea City on 12 October 2002, Hackett came on as a substitute in the 68th minute and set up the winner and the only goal of the game, for Jefferson Louis. After the match, he said of his restricted appearances from the substitute bench: "I've never had a problem with it. I've had to wait my chance, but the gaffer and Fordy have said it would come. It's a squad game and we've got a really good squad at Oxford." In a 2–2 draw against Shrewsbury Town on 26 October 2002, Hackett was sent off for a second bookable offence in the last minute of the game. Following his suspension, he returned to the reserve side for most of the season. making just 14 first-team appearances in all competitions in 2002–03. Hackett began 2003–04 on the substitutes' bench and playing for the reserves, but he had regained his first-team place by the start of October. On 21 October 2003, Hackett scored in a 2–2 draw against York. After the match, he was praised by the club's assistant David Oldfield, who said: "Chris Hackett has come on in recent games and caused problems for teams. He came on with a good attitude and in recent weeks has looked very sharp in training, with some great finishing and crossing. He deserved a goal." By December, his playing time was reduced, due to competition from Emmanuel Omoyinmi and Jefferson Louis, and he spent months in the club's reserve side once again. He regained his first-team place at the start of March, but suffered and injury towards the end of the season. His goal against York proved to be his only goal in 25 appearances in all competitions in 2003–04. Hackett signed a new two-year contract with Oxford on 18 June 2004. He started the season well, setting up a goal for Tommy Mooney, who was to be