HAWKES EYES THE BIG TIME WITH POOLS
JOSH HAWKES hopes he is repaying the faith shown in him by Hartlepool United boss Craig Hignett as the goalscoring midfielder aims to keep making his mark in Pools colours.
The 20-year-old is a product of the club’s youth system and was travelling with the first team squad when they were in the Football League.
That potential is now blossoming into regular football with Tuesday night’s goal, direct from a corner, in the defeat AFC Fylde his third in two games and eighth of the season.
Although he’s had to be patient for action, Pools’ third boss of the season Hignett has shown belief in the youngster and Hawkes is determined to build on his performances.
“Last season I played the last eight games so I was hoping to be playing a lot this year,” Hawkes told The NLP. “I didn’t play much at the start of the season, which was a bit frustrating, because I thought I did well last year, so I’ve had to be patient. It took a while but it’s worked out well and I’m getting the goals so I’m happy.
“When I first came in I concentrated on consistent performances to try and get in the team every week. I’d had a patch where I was coming off the bench and couldn’t get in much. So my main aim was to play consistently and then the goals came with the performances.
“The manager gives me a lot of confidence to go and play and do well. He’ll always tell me to go and attack and try to get as many opportunities I can – I’m happy I’m repaying him with the goals I’m getting. He wants me to express myself.”
Hawkes has already caught the eye of clubs higher up with Leeds United and Sheffield United reportedly interested in his services back in the summer.
Pools fans are enjoying seeing the academy starlet getting his chance for their own side following loan spells in the Northern League with Marske United and Dunston UTS.
Hawkes feels that taste of men’s football helped his game, along with the first team squad involvement when he was a second-year scholar.
“That was big in my progress – being around the first team squad in League Two,” Hawkes said. “At first it was a bit scary! But working with them you get to know what they’re about and get more comfortable.
“All the lads are supportive and know the goals I can get. Scott Loach always puts his arm around me and says, ‘You can win us the game today’. Someone like that is really good to have around the dressing room.”
While hopes of a play-off push have probably faded, Hartlepool are looking forward to a brighter future than the one on the cards last season when the club was at risk of closing.
Hawkes says the stability is noticeable and hopes the good times are just around the corner.
“The aim is to win as many games as possible this season and carry the momentum on,” Hawkes, who is targeting double figures for his goal haul, added. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs but to have stability now makes it a good place to be around. When you’ve been through the times when it hasn’t been so good, you realise when you’re doing well how much better it is. It’s a massive difference.”