The Hawks - Dare To Dream

Neal: Probably not

Walter: Yus, he does..

Josh: Thanks

mo_123: He is quite the man, I know

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Vanarama Conference Premier side Havant & Waterlooville have been handed a home tie against Premier League Southampton, as a reward for progressing into the FA Cup 3rd round.

The Hawks have beaten Eastbourne Boro in the qualifying round, followed by Stevenage and Barnet, to earn their spot in amongst the best clubs in English football, but it is The Saints who the draw has pitted them against.

The matchup is especially an interesting one on a local scale, with Southampton’s fierce rivals Portsmouth, affiliated with Havant and being a nearby club. In fact, there are plenty of ties between Havant and Portsmouth, while it is likely that many Pompey supporters will be in attendance at West Leigh Park to help support the non-league side attempt to cause an upset against their top tier rivals. Even Lee Bradbury, Hawks manager, has links with the blue side of Hampshire having played for the club in two different spells – 1995 to 1997 and 1999 to 2004. Bradbury has also played his trade at Bournemouth as both a player and manager, although the rivalry between The Cherries and Southampton is not as intense as the main South Coast derby.

There is almost certainly going to be a fiery nature to the game for these reasons, but it was something that Bradbury himself just laughed off, insisting that the match would be a great occasion for all involved and that he was just delighted to be paired up with a team playing in the elite league that is, the Barclays Premier League;

”It’s going to be a great match, and a great occasion for both sets of fans, that’s for sure. A game against Southampton means a lot to me, personally, and I’m sure it will be a cracking atmosphere especially since we are likely to get a lot of Pompey fans turn out for the game too – we tend to get plenty of Portsmouth supporters through the gate when their team is playing away, anyway.”

“As I say, the main thing we wanted was a home game against a Premier League team, and fortunately, that’s exactly what has happened. It adds that extra bit of excitement that the game is against Southampton, as I’m sure everyone will agree in me saying.”

Southampton are actually the current holders of the FA Cup, defeating Derby County in last season’s final, 1-0. This season, in the Premier League, they are lingering in a middle table position under the management of Spaniard Victor Fernandez, while their hosts are second in their respective division. Nonetheless, Fernandez paid respect to The Hawks when asked on his thoughts about the draw, stating that his side could not afford to underestimate their opponents to be and that they would have to do a professional job if they wanted to win the game.

Other highlights of the 3rd round draw include the North London derby which will see Arsenal go toe to toe with Tottenham, and Leeds’ visit to Anfield to play Liverpool. Fixtures are to be played out on the weekend commencing the 2nd January.

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Last Update: Season Two: December
Next Update: Bradbury boosts attacking options

Big big game against the Saints!

I hope you can keep the result respectable but your pay day will be huge!

Southampton eh? Good luck pal

A giant killing would be huge for the club. Good luck! I'm sure you'll be up for it

That will generate some money for your club! Give them a good fight!

Justice: For this club, yeah, it's a massive game.

No1VillaFan: That's certainly one of the big rewards of playing a Premier League side, we should get a nice amount of cash!

NVDTahir: Thanks

P-KIDDY: Indeed, but it won't be easy, that's for sure.

TaroMisaki: We'll give it all we've got!

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Havant and Waterlooville boss Lee Bradbury has agreed deals for free agents Ashley Hemmings and Austin Lipman, to make the move to West Leigh Park.

Despite an excellent first half of the season achieved by the current crop of players, former Portsmouth forward Bradbury has noted that the squad is still looking rather thin and so has acted by drafting in two new additions, to the club. While more signings are being planned and potentially some could even be in the pipeline, it is attack which has been strengthen in the short term.

The first signing Hemmings, began his career with Wolves going onto play for Wallsall and Dagenham & Redbridge, among other clubs on loan deals. The Daggers were in fact his most recent club but he was released after relegation from League 2, and has been on the scour for a side interested in taking him on, ever since. The 25 year old mainly operates as a left midfielder, but is capable of playing on the opposite flank, as well as in the striker role. As it is, The Hawks are the latest team to present the Englishman with an opportunity – pinning him down to an 18 month contract.

Hemmings’ main attribute is of course his pace, and direct running style, which at times can leave full backs shaking in their wake. However, injuries have caused him problems in the past and he can be a tad inconsistent too especially with his final pass. Nevertheless, if he can hit the ground running early on, and provide a foundation to build on, Hemmings could well be a key player for Havant and Waterlooville.

Also joining the Vanarama Conference Premier side, is former Arsenal youngster, Austin Lipman. At the younger age of only 20, Lipman still has plenty of years ahead of himself and plenty of potential too, so is by no means the finished article. He is still a bit raw but if his loan spells at Boreham Wood in the past and his record at youth level with The Gunners, are anything to go by, Lipman already has his fair share of talent. Again, versatile in attacking areas, Lipman’s main position is as a striker and he is just as strong in playing in behind the front man, even able to perform in wide areas. Another Englishman, he too has been handed an 18 year contract with Havant & W.

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Last Update: Havant & W to play Southampton
Next Update: Defensive duo bolster Havant squad

Nice story i'm following it for a while so keep it up mate!!! xD

MisterLister: Thank you.

Hopefully you can develop Lipman to achieve his potential! Any chance we could get a screenshot?

Two good signings there Joshie, also playing Southampton in the cup will be a great revenue boost for you!

Neal: He'll have to develop a lot to reach the potential, but at the moment, could be a decent player for us at our level.


Josh: Thanks, and yes, it will. Would be even better if we could cause an upset too!

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Loanee Johnny Ertl and free agent Jerome Okimo have both completed switches to Lee Bradbury’s Havant and Waterlooville, following the departures of Ryan Woodford and Perry Ryan.

Woodford and Ryan had been servants of the club since 2010 and 2011 respectively, both having been released by Portsmouth as youngsters, and became good friends as a result. In fact, they were the longest serving players at the club, and their departures represent the changes at the club and the progress The Hawks have made in recent years.

Woodford, a central defender, has now moved onto Ryman Premier Division side Dulwich Hamlet. While Ryan, a central midfielder, has signed on at Hereford United in the Conference South. The pair of them were lauded for their efforts during their time at West Leigh Park, by their former manager Bradbury, and admitted it was a tough decision letting such competitive and loyal players go.

Nevertheless, with two squad members heading out of the door, a loan deal for a new central defender was swiftly arranged. Portsmouth club captain Johnny Ertl was targeted to bring cover and a lot of experience to the table, eventually finalizing a deal until the end of the season. Ertl, at the age of 33, has previously played for Crystal Palace and Sheffield United before settling down at Fratton Park.

The Austrian has always been recognized as a player with plenty of passion and pride, taking the role of Pompey skipper, but has now fallen out of favour during Portsmouth’s promotion push from League 2.

Okimo meanwhile has turned out for the likes of Steveange and Wealdstone in earlier stages of his career although the left back has been without a club since the start of last season. Although a permanent signing, the 24 year old may only be a temporary addition, with his contract only lasting up to the end of the season.

Johnny Ertl was available for media duty, stating that he was raring to get back out onto the pitch, even if he had to drop down to non-league football, to get that opportunity;

”I haven’t played many games lately, I know, but that won’t halt my commitment and effort that I bring to every match I do play. Portsmouth is a fantastic club and I hold them very close to my heart, so understand that they are fighting for promotion and I am not needed as much, these days.”

“A move to Havant is an excellent thing for me, as I can get some games again, and hopefully they will make use of my knowledge and experience. Knowing the gaffer was also a motive in the move, as Lee has helped out with coaching at Pompey in the past, so I get on well with him and know he is a good man.”

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Last Update: Bradbury boosts attacking options
Next Update: Season Two: January