{"id":555672,"date":"2020-06-29T13:34:18","date_gmt":"2020-06-29T17:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=555672"},"modified":"2020-08-21T12:09:46","modified_gmt":"2020-08-21T16:09:46","slug":"josh-hawkes-rejects-new-contract-at-hartlepool-united","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/06\/29\/josh-hawkes-rejects-new-contract-at-hartlepool-united\/","title":{"rendered":"Josh Hawkes Rejects New Contract at Hartlepool United"},"content":{"rendered":"

Josh Hawkes, who is one of the highest-rated players in non-league football, has become available. The Hartlepool United midfielder has officially<\/a> rejected a new contract, meaning he will leave United at the end of June.<\/span><\/p>\n

A product of Hartlepool United’s academy, 21-year-old Hawkes has recently been linked to <\/a><\/span>several<\/span> Football League clubs. These include Barnsley and Hull City of the Championship, plus League One side Sunderland<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Josh Hawkes Rejects New Contract at Hartlepool United<\/h2>\n

Hawkes Eyed Previously<\/h3>\n

In April 2018, the Sunderland Echo<\/a> reported that <\/span>Hartlepool<\/span> had rejected Sunderland\u2019s request to watch Hawkes play in a behind-closed-doors game. Newcastle United were also mentioned as another club who, a<\/span>t the time, <\/span>were monitoring the then 19-year-old.<\/span><\/p>\n

The interest came within weeks of him making his full debut for <\/span>Hartlepool<\/span>. He also scored a goal, as United defeated Bromley 2-1 on March 27th 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n

After this game, Matthew Bates, who was then the Hartlepool United caretaker-manager, was full of praise for Hawkes<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJosh was magnificent. <\/span>He\u2019s learning and for his age you won\u2019t see a better player in the area,\u201d said Bates.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis decision making was that of a senior player. He will stay grounded and have to react to the knocks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s up to him to go far and do it. He doesn\u2019t doubt himself.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Back in March 2018,\u00a0Hartlepool were fighting relegation from the National League.\u00a0Although they would <\/span>eventually<\/span> finish the 2017\/18 season in a lower mid-table position.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hawkes’ Departure Is a Loss to Hartlepool<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hartlepool United are seeking to build a side capable of regaining their English Football League (EFL) status. Hawkes was seen as a significant player for this, so his departure is a <\/span>huge disappointment<\/span>. On the positive, <\/span>he is under 24-years of age,<\/span> so United will receive compensation.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

United manager Dave Challinor, s<\/span>peaking to the Hartlepool Mail, <\/a><\/span>confirmed the news of Hawkes’ <\/span>imminent<\/span> departure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Challinor said: \u201c<\/span>Hawkesy<\/span> (Josh Hawkes)<\/em> has been told there are other avenues for him to explore. If he moves elsewhere then there will be compensation involved and we will get a fee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Compensation Could Vary<\/span><\/h3>\n

Just how much compensation <\/span>Hartlepool will <\/span>receive, is unknown at present. However, if Hawkes moves away from England, they will probably <\/span>receive<\/span> a much lower <\/span>amount<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

When a transfer is between two English sides, the Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) decides the level of compensation.<\/span><\/p>\n

The PFCC take into account factors such as player’s playing record, interest from other clubs, the contracts on offer, previous fee, age and time with the academy.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, when a player leaves England – if only to Scotland – then FIFA decide the level of compensation. They use a different formula to calculate compensation \u2013 one which places less <\/span>emphasis <\/span>on certain factors \u2013 thereby usually leading to a far lower amount.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Future Talent<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hawkes has played in the EFL before, as he was a member of Hartlepool’s squad who suffered relegation to the National League<\/a> in 2017. He was one of the few positives of Hartlepool\u2019s <\/span>dismal<\/span> League Two campaign of 2016\/17.<\/span><\/p>\n

Impressed by Hawkes’ talent, the then United manager Dave Jones gave him his debut in February 2017. He came on as a late substitute during Hartlepool\u2019s superb 4-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra. Hawkes\u2019 debut came within weeks of him turning 18.<\/span><\/p>\n

Including<\/span> his debut, he has featured over 60 times for United. Arguably, the 2018\/19 season was Hawkes’ breakthrough, as he <\/span>became<\/span> a regular for United. In November last year, he scored a <\/span>magnificent<\/span><\/a> goal during a FA Cup tie against <\/span>EFL side <\/span>Exeter City. This proved the <\/span>match-winner as Hartlepool <\/span>eliminated<\/span> Exeter from the second round, via a 1-0 victory. United also considered him their free-kick and penalty specialist.<\/span><\/p>\n

Josh Hawkes might not yet be a familiar player outside his native North East. This appears set to change, as he is <\/span>definitely<\/span> a player to watch out for.<\/span><\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>