2017-18 football campaign is heading toward its conclusion every passing week, but the clubs are already sniffing in the market for best available options who will strengthen them to achieve objectives from the next season onwards. Several Championship sides are already in the market to acquire country’s top talents from lower leagues and help them flourish in an improved setup as well as training facilities.
Josh Hawkes, the teenage sensation of Hartlepool United, is being monitored by Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Leeds United and also Premier League outfit Newcastle United. The financial conundrum saw Pools being dropped to Conference North but the midfielder emerged as their most promising prodigy in a gloomy season in National League. He scored on his full debut against Bromley and has made 7 senior appearances so far since being promoted from club’s youth ranks.
Hartlepool, meanwhile, are doing well in recent weeks under caretaker boss Matthew Bates who has guided them to come out of a relegation scare and young Hawkes has started the last three games for his side. The Englishman prefers to operate from an attacking midfield role but also fits as a ‘number 10’. Bates, their current player-manager, has praised the youngster for his maturity and composure despite featuring for a non-league outfit.
“He’s learning and for his age, you won’t see a better player in the area. His decision making was that of a senior player.
“He will stay grounded and have to react to the knocks. It’s up to him to go far and do it. He doesn’t doubt himself. I’ve been there myself as a young player, and he will get bumps along the way.”
Hawkes reportedly has a year left in his current deal with the Monkey Hangers but the club is likely to be in a far better position when an imminent takeover by Teesside businessman Raj Singh will be concluded. Black Cats, although the frontrunners to bring in the youngster, their likely relegation to League One might hand them a massive blow in pursuit of Josh Hawkes.
Leeds United are also in contention but it’s Middlesbrough who have a stronger grip on the deal due to their possibility of a Premier League return. Their resurgence under Tony Pulis has been significant as Boro are currently placed in the final playoff spot with promises of further improvement. Newcastle are unlikely to follow up their interest and even if they do, there won’t be enough opportunities for the starlet to experience senior football.
Although notoriously known for his ‘negative’ football, Pulis needs to concentrate on Boro’s youth development and the academy set-up in order to establish them as an admirable top-tier outfit like he did with Stoke City a decade back. The Welshman has asked for time to script an overhaul and the prodigies like Josh Hawkes will serve his purpose in the long run. The emergence of Jamie Vardy inspires every individual who is currently struggling in non-league football but dreaming to make it to the Premier League one day. The teenager from Hartlepool is no different either and must be rooting for his next career move to fulfill his desire.
