Portsmouth Wembley hero shines against Southampton during surprise non-league trial outing
Former Pompey striker Oli Hawkins is on the search for a new club following his release from League Two Barnet at the end of the season.
Oli Hawkins enjoyed a brilliant three-year stay at Fratton Park, which included Wembley success during the EFL Trophy in 2019.
And seven years on, the striker will be remembering his Pompey allegiances during an impressive display against Southampton last week.
The Bees opted against handing Hawkins fresh terms, bringing an abrupt end to his 12-month stay at The Hive.
After signing in August on a free transfer following his departure from Gillingham, the former Pompey man netted three goals in 40 appearances in all competitions for Dean Brennan’s side, who finished eighth in League Two.
Former Pompey striker faces Southampton during surprise trial
But the attacker has turned to non-league as he continues his search for a new club, which has seen him come up against the Blues’ bitter rivals in pre-season.
Hawkins is currently on trial with National League outfit Eastleigh, which saw him start against Southampton during their friendly last Saturday.
The ex-Ipswich Town man shone in a classy first-half showing as he led the line in his second run out for the Spitfires.
Although Matt Gray’s side fell to a 3-1 defeat to Championship opposition, some Eastleigh fans were impressed with the striker, who was listed as ‘Trialist E’.
One supporter made it clear on social media that he wanted to see Hawkins signed this summer, saying ‘Good game, now sign trialist e best player on the pitch for us’, while another added: ‘Definitely need that presence up front. Totally missed this last season.’
After outings against Poole Town and Southampton, the Spitfires continue their pre-season campaign against French outfit Valenciennes this evening, with Hawkins looking to shine once again as he bids to secure a permanent contract at the Silverlake Stadium.
Oli Hawkins’ Pompey career
Hawkins arrived at Fratton Park in August 2017, penning a three-year deal after making the switch from Dagenham & Redbridge.
After netting eight goals in his maiden campaign on the south coast, the 34-year-old went on to score a further 10 during a hugely-successful 2018-19 season.
His most prominent moment for the Blues came in March 2019, when he slotted home the winning penalty in front of 85,021 supporters at Wembley as Kenny Jackett’s side lifted the EFL Trophy after a penalty shootout triumph over Sunderland.
Hawkins was later utilised in a defensive role by Jackett, with outings coming at a premium for the following campaign before his release in 2020. He scored 18 goals and collected nine assists in 96 outings at PO4.
Spells at Ipswich Town, Mansfield Town, Gillingham and Barnet followed for the striker, who is now bidding to earn a deal with non-league Eastleigh.