LEAGUE WINNER AIMS TO REPEAT THE FEAT
TERRY HAWKRIDGE knows just how it feels to be a National League champion – now he’s planning to do it all again with Solihull Moors.
The 28-year-old winger was an integral part of Lincoln City’s title-winning success in 2016-17, scoring twice in the decider against Macclesfield which won the league with two games to spare.
Hawkridge subsequently made the switch to Notts County that summer but is now back in Non-League’s top flight with Tim Flowers’ high-flying Moors after signing an 18-month long deal.
“I’m excited,” said the former Scunthorpe United ace. “The lads have been doing well and they’re up and around there. I can’t wait to get started.
“I met up with the gaffer and the staff – they were really keen to get me in. It’s about playing and enjoying football and I think this is a club where I can really do that. Hopefully I bring something different to what the club has and help the boys.”
Hawkridge, a Barnsley and Tranmere academy graduate, began his senior career at Carlton Town, before going on to play at Hucknall Town and Gainsborough Trinity.
Six goals in 37 league matches with the Holy Blues earnt Hawkridge a move to Scunthorpe where he became a regular in the team which gained promotion to League One in 2014.
Next came loan moves to Mansfield and then Lincoln City where, after a promising first season, he signed permanently.
Flowers was delighted to get his man, adding: “He’s different to what we’ve got. Terry is a very talented footballer – he can play anywhere across midfield and has done in the Football League.
“We’ve now got one or two that have won this division. This isn’t something that’s been random, we’ve gone with the experience and players who don’t crumble.”