History Making Hawks?

This report is from Hawkeye

Havant & Waterlooville FC is currently in its 16th season since its amalgamation from the smaller local clubs Havant Town FC and Waterlooville FC. Although in their debut season (1998-1999) the Hawks won the Southern League Southern Division, the HWFC Trophy cabinet has resembled Mother Hubbard’s cupboard.

That is not to suggest that the side has been treading water since their conception. The club have progressed enormously since those early days and boast a stadium with an ‘A’ Grade rating and no financial debts. Much of the success has been in various cup competitions without necessarily winning them; notably the 4th Round appearance in 2007-2008 against Liverpool (current Premiership Champions Elect!?).

This season the Hawks are well placed to achieve entry into the National Conference League, via the Conference South play-offs. At the time of writing the Hawks have worked there way into the final play-off position (5th) with just seven matches left to play. Of these five will be played at Westleigh Park.

With destiny firmly in their own hands failure to qualify for the end of season promotion play-offs would be a disappointing end to an exciting season. The format of the play-offs would mean a two-legged Semi-Final with the winners going into a winner take all final.

Entry into the National Conference would place the Hawks just one step away from the Football League (watch out Pompey). The profile of the club would take a massive hike and would probably lead to the Hawks becoming a full-time professional club within a few years. Manager Lee Bradbury and his Assistant Shaun Gale have developed an impressive array of talent in the current squad, which contains a good blend of experience and young progressive talent. The good form of the Hawks has been based on a solid defensive approach that has witnessed seventeen clean sheets in their last thirty five matches.

Such is the standing of the current Hawks squad that Manager Lee Bradbury has been able to sign Liechtenstein International goalkeeper Benji Buchel in the past couple of months.

The club would like the opportunity to progress and urges all local football fans to come and support the Hawks as they attempt to get across the finishing line and start a brand new era for local football. We know the local community would love the Club’s status to advertise this area on a national scale.

If you would like anymore information on the exciting events in and around HWFC please visit the \club’s official website at: http://www.havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk

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