What Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor had to say about Josh Hawkes' move to Sunderland

Hawkes turned down the chance to stay at Pools for the upcoming season, sparking the interest of several clubs.

But it’s Sunderland who have won the race for the 21-year-old’s services, as he’s agreed a two-year deal at the Academy of Light.

He joins former Pools teammate Kenton Richardson as part of the Black Cats’ under-23 set-up.

While Pools didn't receive any compensation for Richardson’s move to Wearside, manager Dave Challinor believes the club are entitled to some form of payment following Hawkes’ move despite suggestions that Sunderland will get away with paying nothing for the youngster.

Hawkes made 66 appearances for Hartlepool in all competitions between 2017 and 2020, scoring 13 goals and was offered an improved deal at Victoria Park in the summer.

"Hawkesy has been close with Sunderland for the past three months or so,” Challinor told The Mail.

"They initially made contact with the club and made compensation offers which were, poor, shall we say and not acceptable.

"But now it’s not something that concerns me, Josh has moved on from the club so it’s not something for me to deal with.

"In terms of the club, the people who are paid to do those jobs will do them, I certainly think we should be getting compensation for the move because he was made an offer a long time ago which was not accepted.

"Now he’s moved to Sunderland as an under-24 player so that ticks a lot of boxes but it’s not something that’s going to affect me in terms of the squad we’ve got moving forward.”

Pools’ National League season is set to start on Saturday, October 3, when they host Aldershot Town at Victoria Park. It is hoped that fans will also be permitted to attend matches, albeit in reduced numbers with social distancing measures observed.

Meanwhile, Challinor’s side will are preparing for their remaining pre-season friendlies against Blyth Spartans at Victoria Park and Gateshead. A home friendly against a Middlesbrough XI for Friday, September 25 is also expected to be announced in due course.

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