Pompey’s Wembley spot-kick hero Hawkins told he has no Gills future

Pompey’s Wembley hero faces an uncertain future after being told he is surplus to requirements.

And another ex-blues man has been handed a free transfer as Gillingham seek to overhaul their squad following a disappointing season.

Oli Hawkins is assured of a place in Fratton folklore after netting the penalty which won the Checkatrade Trophy final against Sunderland in March 2019.

However, he has been made available for a move by League Two Gills, where Kenny Jackett is serving as director of football.

Although still under contract, the Gills are willing to listen to offers for the 32-year-old, who joined from Mansfield for an undisclosed fee in January 2023.

Eight players have been made free agents, including former Pompey midfielder Shaun Williams, now aged 37, who made 64 appearances at Priestfield following his July 2022 arrival and was club captain.

The Irishman had previously spent a year at Fratton Park, sustaining a serious back injury in the process, after being recruited by Danny Cowley on a free from Millwall.

Williams made 35 appearances as Pompey finished 10th in 2021-22, but wasn’t retained at the second’s end.

In the case of Hawkins, he returned to action for Gillingham in December following a serious heel injury, which left him fearing for his career.

He subsequently scored four goals in 25 appearances as they finished 12th, costing

Stephen Clemence his job, with Mark Bonner taking over earlier this month.

The ex-cambridge United boss has decided Hawkins doesn’t fit into his plans and they are now seeking takers for the towering striker.

Jackett was Pompey boss when he recruited him from Dagenham & Redbridge in August 2017 on a busy deadline day which also consisted of Damien Mccrory, Matty Kennedy and Stuart O’keefe.