The Hawks - Dare To Dream

A very good season! But seriously, Arsenal winning the PL?

Congrats on promotion! Couldn't settle for anything but a play off spot in the end I guess, Luton were a different class haha

Josh: Thanks, and surprisingly enough, Arsenal really did win the Premier League

AaronHJFT96: Yeah, you're right, Luton were a cut above us... cheers!

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After former Hawks owner Adi Aymes was arrested following an FA investigation, a consortium headed by former England football player David James, has taken control of the football club.

The news will come as a huge sigh of relief for fans of the newly promoted League 2 side, among the growing concerns that administration and potential point deductions, were looming. Even Aymes’ arrest was a shock for many, but the investigation launched a little over 2 weeks ago, revealed that the supposed businessman had been involved in corruption within the game – with fraud also leading to his conviction.

More facts were eventually uncovered, and it was exposed that Aymes’ – a false name for protection – is an illegal drug dealer. In no way whatsoever was he a legitimate businessman, as he had claimed when completing his takeover of Havant & W, last year. This lead to the man being stripped of all his assets, raising the concerns about the West Leigh Park outfit.

Thankfully, a consortium led by the former Portsmouth, Liverpool and England goalkeeper David James, has stepped forwards to help rescue the club’s future. Joining him in the group are established local businessman along with two members of a fan group, helping to provide the financial backing.

For James it is a swift turnaround in his life, going from player/manager at Indian Super League side Kerala, to the chairman of an English Football League team. The arrest and eventual imprisonment of Adi Aynes, however, has raised new issues and more awareness about the FA’s ‘Owners and Directors’ test. It wasn’t that long ago, that the decision was made to disqualify Massimo Cellino as owner of Leeds United, but this proves evidence of the tests continued failure, with questions remaining unanswered.

Nevertheless, James spoke in front of a packed media room at Havant and Waterlooville, explaining his motives for being involved in the consortium as well as future ambitions set by the latest owners of The Hawks;

”Having watched on as my former club Portsmouth were damaged badly by corruptive owners, the situation at Havant was a desperately bad one. It all happened very quickly but a group of people, with keen interest to help a very promising club, was founded. Everything took off from there really.”

“For myself to be Chairman is a fantastic opportunity. At 46, I’m not exactly in the perfect physical condition nor do I have the fitness to continue playing anymore. My retirement has been a long time coming and stepping into the business side of things, is a new career path which really appealed to me.”

“We’ve obviously made sure that a plan for the future has been set out, something which is really important for development. With the club just turning professional for the first time, facilities need to be invested in and the squad needs to be improved. But with the team of people here, especially the manager Lee Bradbury, our aims can definitely be achieved.”

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Last Update: Season Two: Season Review
Next Update: New stadium development announced

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Following the completion of the takeover at Havant and Waterlooville, the new owners have already started to make their mark by announcing that work on building a new ground for the club, will begin in the coming weeks.

Since their establishment The Hawks have been using West Leigh Park as their stadium for all home games, a fairly suitable playing field for a club of Conference South level. It holds a maximum of 4800 people, of which 562 can be seated, and was in good condition. However, the success of the club in recent times and the subsequent promotion to the Football League, means that an alternative home was essential.

Thus plans were drawn up for a brand new stadium, with the council approving these plans and permitting permission to build. The club has released the details to fans and the public, showing that the stadium will cost around £7.75m to build although this figure will be offset by the £650k they will receive by selling West Leigh Park.

Payment will also be aided by a new loan of £3.54m, which has been secured, as well as a stadium sponsorship deal and a further £2m grant from authorities. The remaining funding for the project will be financed by board members, as they begin to show their intentness, on helping Havant progress.

Another positive move from the recently installed board members is the faith shown in youth, having revealed that work has begun on the upgrade of youth facilities. An initial estimate indicates that the planned expansion will cost around £130k, an amount which has been paid for without the need of external backing.

The new stadium, which will have an original capacity of 8548, is scheduled to be finished by June 2018. While the improvement to the youth facilities will take just 6 months to complete.

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Last Update: Consortium steps in to save Havant
Next Update: 2016/17 kits released

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Havant & W have officially released their new home, away and third kits for the 2016/17 season, in the Sky Bet League 2.

The three strips have been produced by ‘Admiral Sportswear’, kit manufacturers for the club, for the very first time. The internationally recognised football and cricket brand have signed a deal with Havant lasting two years, with the intention to extend afterwards, providing that sales figures are high.

Once again, Sports Interactive will feature as the shirt sponsor, after signing a two year deal last season. The creative games studio is behind the popular football management simulation series Football Manager, bringing plenty of publicity to the Hawks, through the use of their profile on social media. Studio director Miles Jacobson was even spotted in the stands of Wembley, for Havant and Waterlooville’s play-off final, at the end of the 2015/16 campaign.

Home Kit: Havant’s home kit this season is keeping to the traditional white theme, with a darker blue/purple used as the secondary colour. The top features a very basic collar, in blue, while the sleeves and shoulder section are of the same shade.

Away Kit: Havant’s away kit this season is a much more stylish alternative than to the home kit, with a two stripes design, that go diagonally across the shirt. Dark blue has been selected as the base colour, while the stripes are white and yellow.

Third Kit: Unlike last season, this season Havant also have a third kit available, with another intriguing design on offer. The kit is primarily yellow, but is complemented by a thick diagonal stripe that goes through the club’s badge.

As the promotional poster displays, the club is using the line ‘Fly High With The Hawks’ with the aim of advertising and endorsing the new kits, which are now available in the club store just outside West Leigh Park. Get yours today, and ‘Fly High With The Hawks’!

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NOTE: Thanks to Tallery for the kits.

Last Update: New stadium development announced
Next Update: Season Three: Summer Transfer Window

Great Updates! What a progress you made with Havant is amazing, keep it up!

Nice kits pompey, Sports Interactive will be a helpful sponsor
Also promising signs with the stadium redevelopment!

TaroMisaki: Yes, we have really made great strides over the last couple of seasons, and hopefully will continue to do so. Thanks!

Walter: Aha, indeed. Cheers for the comment Walt.

That graphic ain't bad
And Admiral employ a very good kit designer

Tallery: Don't lie, my graphic is awful..

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With a full host of players’ contracts expiring, and the squad in need of a bit of a rebuild following promotion to the Sky Bet League 2, changes were a plenty. That meant there were many players heading through the exit door, some more surprising than others.

JJ Hooper

Position: Striker
Age: 23 years old
Key Attributes: Pace, Acceleration, Determination

Hooper actually won the ‘Young Player of the Season’ award, at the end of the 2014/15 campaign, was one of the most surprising departures. After coming to the end of his contract, and having grown frustrated with a lack of first team football, Hooper decided not to enter any negotiations whatsoever – although it was unlikely we would have matched his wage demands anyway, considering his squad status.

Scott Donnelly, Ben Swallow and Danny Blanchett

Position: Right Midfielder; Left Midfielder; Left Back
Age: 29 years old; 27 years old; 29 years old
Key Attributes: Free Kick Taking, Penalty Taking, Technique; Acceleration, Pace, Agility; Teamwork, Work Rate, Composure

These three players were also on their way out, and although they were good performers in my spell at the club, all of them were just not of League 2 quality. I have no doubt that they are capable of playing well in the Conference, but after evaluating my options, the right decision was to let their contracts run out.

Nic Ciardini and Shamir Mullings

Position: Left Midfielder; Right Midfielder
Age: 28 years old; 23 years old
Key Attributes: Long Throws, Aggression, Bravery; Acceleration, Natural Fitness, Flair

Having fallen out of favour Ciardini and Mullings were two more casualties of the clearout. Both did decent jobs when called upon, but like others, weren’t up to the standard of the division we are now in. With better alternatives around, the pair of them didn’t have their contracts renewed, either.

Ed Harris

Position: Central Defender
Age: 26 years old
Key Attributes: Leadership, Teamwork, Strength

Club captain Ed Harris was let go, with the fans expressing some dismay about his exit. Irrespective, Harris unfortunately fell into the cull of players who just aren’t good enough for Havant anymore – a shame for a popular player both on and off the field. He has moved on to Dartford.

Scott Bevan and Alan Connell

Position: Goalkeeper; Striker
Age: 37 years old; 33 years old
Key Attributes: Jumping Reach, Eccentricity, Aerial Ability; Finishing, First Touch, Composure

Finally, experienced duo Scott Bevan and Alan Connell didn’t have their deals extended, and subsequently have left West Leigh Park. Bevan was another likeable figure but his age against him, and having been on the bench all of last season, there was no longer any room for him here. Connell likewise had age against him, and although he did score a reasonable amount of goals, I have confidence in our other strikers to score the goals needed.




As well as bringing in 9 new players to the club, three existing players have agreed new deals. Striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, midfielder Therry Racon and defender Dan Strugnell all had expiring deals but have decided to stay on with the club, by signing extensions.

Nathan Pond


Position: Central Defender
Age: 31 years old
Key Attributes: Leadership, Work Rate, Strength

The first official signing of the window was central defender Nathan Pond. Available after being released from Oldham, the 31 year old Englishman has plenty of invaluable experience, and is a great leader. Pond already becomes one of the top defenders at the club and a top player for our level, with good strength matching his mental abilities too.

Danny Grainger


Position: Left Back
Age: 30 years old
Key Attributes: Aggression, Natural Fitness, Penalty Taking

Danny Grainger was our second signing of the summer, another Englishman who possess experience, and quality too. A really well rounded player, Grainger will undoubtedly become a key player of the team immediately, and has the ability to make a real difference. He last played for Wallsall in League One, but has previously turned out for the likes of Hearts, St. Johnstone and Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

Chris Arthur


Position: Left Midfielder
Age: 27 years old
Key Attributes: Natural Fitness, Acceleration, Strength

Next to join was Chris Arthur, a player familiar to Hawks fans, having played for the club in his career already – from 2011 to 2013. The wide man is mainly known for his pace and strength, so should be a more than capable back-up player, unless his displays merit more.

Chris Whelpdale


Position: Right Midfielder
Age: 29 years old
Key Attributes: Long Throws, Determination, Crossing

Chris Whelpdale was the signing that followed, signing on after his release from Stevenage. Although not blessed with pace, the right midfielder is still a very good player, particularly down to his mental stats. A good team player and capable of playing in multiple positions, Whelpdale is likely to be vital to success this season.

Rob Atkinson


Position: Central Defender
Age: 29 years old
Key Attributes: Determination, Team Work, Work Rate

Making the move to us on the same day was former Accrington Stanley centre half Rob Atkinson. Considering our low wage budget and lack of transfer funds, players with a low wage similar to Atkinson, our perfect players to provide our squad with strength in depth. Atkinson will fit right in, being a hard worker, as well as having the knowhow of this league to boast.

Callam Jones


Position: Defensive Midfielder
Age: 20 years old
Key Attributes: Tackling, Marking, Acceleration

Our one and only loan addition of the window was promising West Bromwich Albion youngster, Callam Jones. Jones is a player who I really like despite, not being the greatest of players statistically, definitely aided by his versatility. Not having to pay his wages also made the deal very attractive, and hopefully he can help realise some of the potential he has, while here.

Danny East


Position: Right Back
Age: 24 years old
Key Attributes: Pace, Determination, Bravery

Danny East became our 7th signing of the season, another versatile player that fits the criteria for the club. In the lower leagues, it is crucial that you have players that are comfortable in performing in different areas of the pitch especially since you’re working on such a tight budget – Danny exactly this. Primarily a right back, he is still young, has a fair amount of pace, and I saw no reason to turn him down.

Lawrence Vigouroux


Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 22 years old
Key Attributes: Aerial Ability, Rushing Out, Natural Fitness

Arguably the best bit of business of the window, was the recruitment of goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. Previously of Tottenham and Liverpool, you can tell that Vigouroux has the potential to go far. At only 23, he already is a very vocal and commanding keeper, a trait which usually doesn’t come out on a player in his position until further down the line. The Chilean is bound to get even better than he is, with first team football, and clearly has a bright future ahead of him.

Liam Donnelly


Position: Right Back
Age: 20 years old
Key Attributes: Determination, Aggression, Leadership

Northern Irish defender Liam Donnelly rounds off our summer signings. Just 20, the right back is another player who could go onto bigger things, although hopefully with us. Even at the current stage, Donnelly is one of the best defenders in the entire league, even managing 10 appearances for Fulham in the Championship last season. Physically sound, mentally strong, but technically slightly lacking, he will still be a huge asset for us in this season and forthcoming seasons too.

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NOTE: I would like to say a massive thanks for all the support on my story and helping me to win ‘Story of the Month’ - you guys are the best!

Last Update: 2016/17 kits released
Next Update: Bubb named captain

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Lee Bradbury has confirmed that fan favorite Bradley Bubb has been handed the role of club captain of Havant and Waterlooville.

The 29 year old striker takes over from Ed Harris, who departed West Leigh Park at the end of last season, after being told he wasn’t going to have his contract renewed. Joining in 2014, Bubb has quickly established himself at the Hawks, while creating a very positive bond with the supporters – largely down to his goalscoring exploits which have helped the club soar up the divisions.

The 8 time Grenadian international has bagged a very impressive 89 goals in 100 games for Havant, while also contributing 34 assists. This has played a significant part in bringing the recent success to the club, with a Vanarama Conference South title, the FA Trophy and promotion to the Sky Bet League 2 following on from Bubb’s arrival.

“It is something I will take massive pride in doing, and is a real show of confidence, from the gaffer.” said Bubb upon the official announcement.

Speaking on the appointment, Bradbury said, "I gave it a lot of thought but Bradley is an obvious choice. He's the right man and he'll show enormous enthusiasm and responsibility. In the two years that we've been working together I've had no reason to question his character, or wholehearted commitment to the side. His ability on the pitch as well, is really inspirational to the players around him, so I’m sure he will have a big impact as captain of the football club.”

Meanwhile, 22 year old defender Daniel Pappoe has been named vice-captain, with the club gearing up for the exciting season that lies ahead.

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Last Update: Season Three: Summer Transfer Window
Next Update: Season Three: Pre-Season

Good for Bubb! He's got an amazing record both goals and assist wise and hopefully he'll lead you to more glory!

Bubb has cemented himself as a fan favourite so I know they will get behind their new captain. Hopefully he leads the team to safety in League 2