Haverfordwest County sign former Hull City and Swansea City forward – last at Shelbourne
HAVERFORDWEST, WALES - 11 DECEMBER 2021: General view during the JD Cymru Premier league fixture between Haverfordwest County A.F.C & Bala Town F.C, Bridge Meadow Stadium, December 11th, 2021, Haverfordwest, Wales (Pic By John Smith/FAW
Haverfordwest County have completed the signing of former Hull City and Swansea City forward Dan Hawkins.
The Bluebirds are permitted to make one free signing outside of the transfer registration period and Hawkins will now be available for the remainder of the Cymru Premier season. The 21-year-old has signed a contract that will hopefully keep him at Bridge Meadow until the end of next season.
He reunites with Haverfordwest boss Tony Pennock, who has known him since he was nine years old. Pennock worked at Hawkins’ former clubs Swansea and Hull before the Cardiff-born forward left for Salford City in 2019.
Hawkins made four senior appearances for Salford, with three in the EFL Trophy and one against Newport in the FA Cup. He was on the final in their win against Portsmouth and has a winners medal, after featuring in three of their matches. During his time with the Class-of-92 owned club, he had loan spells at Marine and Stafford Rangers.
Manager Tony Pennock said: “I’ve known Dan since he was nine years of age. He was at Swansea City when I was there, and then he also joined Hull City when I was there too.
“I thought he was unlucky to be released when he was, but then he went on to have a spell at Salford City and also over in Ireland, playing at a good standard.
“He’s been training with us for the last couple of months and has been impressive, so it’s good to get an agreement over the line and bring Dan in as he’s the calibre of player we are looking to attract not only now, but in the future as well.”
The Welshman has most recently been in the League of Ireland, featuring for Shelbourne, where he played under former Chelsea and Newcastle United winger Damien Duff, before his release in January. He made 13 appearances and scored one goal, and also turned out for Finn Harps.
Haverfordwest’s newest signing could make his debut this Saturday (March 18), when they host Airbus UK. The West Wales side currently lead the Championship Conference and could be involved in the end-of-season play-offs for a Europa Conference League qualifying spot.
