---
title: "Sunderland: Phil Smith discusses the potential of Josh Hawkes gaining first team chances"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-phil-smith-backs-josh-hawkes-first-team-chance/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-09-17T06:00:38Z"
modified: "2020-09-17T06:00:38Z"
---

# Sunderland: Phil Smith discusses the potential of Josh Hawkes gaining first team chances

**Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith has [addressed](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/aiden-mcgeady-chances-youngsters-and-tactical-changes-phil-smiths-sunderland-afc-qa-2973682) the potential of Josh Hawkes gaining a chance in the Sunderland first team this season.**

Hawkes, who saw his contract with Hartlepool United come to an end in June, was linked with a whole host of clubs this summer prior to his arrival on Wearside.

Burnley, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Barnsley were [all said](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-hartlepool-prospect-hawkes-braga-sheffield-united-burnley) to be interested in the midfielder’s services but Sunderland [announced a deal](https://www.safc.com/news/academy-news/2020/september/hawkes-signs-for-sunderland) for the player earlier this week.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

When the transfer was confirmed by the club, it was [stated that](https://www.safc.com/news/academy-news/2020/september/hawkes-signs-for-sunderland) Hawkes would play for their under-23 side initially, something of a surprise given the scale of the transfer interest reportedly shown in him.

Hawkes, who netted [13 times](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/josh-hawkes/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/488416) for Hartlepool in 63 games, will become the second ex-Pools player to join Sunderland this year after [Kenton Richardson](https://www.safc.com/news/academy-news/2020/august/kenton-richardson-signs-for-u23s) teamed up with Elliot Dickman’s under-23 side.

Speaking via his latest [Q&A with fans for Sunderland Echo](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/aiden-mcgeady-chances-youngsters-and-tactical-changes-phil-smiths-sunderland-afc-qa-2973682), Smith addressed the potential of Hawkes gaining first team football this season.

*‘Josh Hawkes has been signed primarily as an U23 player, so he will to have impress in that side before he gets an opportunity with the senior group.*

*‘He very much represents the change in approach, though, in that he’s a player who they think can bridge the gap between the U23 and senior groups, over time.*

*‘The EFL trophy might yet be his first way in.’*

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

Hawkes will likely be given a chance in the Sunderland first team, but it is quite surprising that he has not gone straight into Phil Parkinson’s plans.

Given his impressions at non-league level and the number of clubs who had been interested in his services, he seems to have a good future ahead of him, and hopefully it won’t be long before he showcases his talents for the Black Cats’ first team.

***Do you think Hawkes should be given a chance in the Sunderland first team? Let us know your views in the comments section below…***