Paul Holleran has sadly announced news that will unfortunately disappoint all Brakes fans - goalkeeper Callum Hawkins has made the difficult decision to leave the club.
Since making his debut in an initial loan spell from Burton Albion in late February 2022, the 25 year old has been a firm fans favourite, earning many points for the team with some fantastic saves, and along with his parents Jackie and Gavin, who have attended pretty much every one of his 132 games, Callum has truly brought into the whole ethos of the club.
One thing that really endeared the family so much to Brakes supporters was the fact that they continued to attend games from their Yorkshire home even after Callum unfortunately suffered an ACL injury in February 2023. During his time on the sidelines the team were relegated from the National League North, and when the chance came to return to the club on a permanent basis Callum jumped at the chance, stating that he felt he had 'unfinished business' at Leamington. He more than played his part in an immediate return to Step 2, and again in helping us stay there last season, but understandably the rigours of travelling down to Warwickshire have taken their toll, and it is with a heavy heart that Hawkins has decided that the next stage of his career will play out at another club.
'Obviously we are disappointed to announce that sadly Callum Hawkins will be moving on,' said the manager. 'Since he first joined us on loan from Burton he has been fantastic for us from the minute he stepped through the door - even throughout a difficult period for him personally with his acl injury, when he and his family were so supportive of the club. He is a great kid and I have loved working with him. He and his team mates have received great backing from his family, and they will all be sorely missed.
'I always knew this day would come eventually, but due to the distance and the length of time commuting from his home in the north, Callum has decided to look for a club closer to where he is based. We wish him all the best.'
The player himself, who has always been so approachable and well liked by supporters, had this to say: 'Thank you to everyone involved with the club for my time here over the past 4 years, there are so many amazing people involved in and around the club that both my family and I are proud to call friends. I have loved every second being with this fantastic club and I will never forget all the memories we’ve made in that time. Through all the ups and downs I can safely say that I have loved my time here!
To all the management, players, staff, volunteers and all the fans, thank you for everything! Both my family and I be watching from afar!
Much love.'
We would like to wish Callum and his family all the best. They will always be welcome back here at Leamington FC.
