Different club but similar split opinion among fans as Ipswich's Oli Hawkins prepares for Portsmouth reunion

Different club, similar record - and a familiar split opinion from fan bases past and present.
Oli Hawkins. Picture: Simon DaviesOli Hawkins. Picture: Simon Davies
Oli Hawkins. Picture: Simon Davies

Oli Hawkins is never going to be a prolific 20-goal a season striker, let’s be honest.

He wasn’t that at Pompey and, based on early evidence from Portman Road, he’s not transformed into that sort of forward overnight at Ipswich either.

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Ahead of his reunion with the Blues on Saturday in the FA Cup, Hawkins has bagged one goal in 11 matches for the Tractor Boys.

It isn't exactly a surprise given his record during his three years at Fratton Park.

Arriving from Dagenham in August 2017, Hawkins scored 18 times in 96 appearances for Pompey – an average of around one goal every five outings.

His remit when leading the line was much more than just sticking the ball in the back of the net, though.

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Hawkins' hold-up play and ability to provide a focal point to bring others into the game was why he was such an effective player when at his best.

Oli Hawkins has scored just the one goal for Ipswich.  Picture: George Wood/Getty ImagesOli Hawkins has scored just the one goal for Ipswich.  Picture: George Wood/Getty Images
Oli Hawkins has scored just the one goal for Ipswich. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images

Certainly, during the first half of the 2018-19 season, he spearheaded a potent front four alongside Jamal Lowe, Ronan Curtis and Gareth Evans.

The trio all relished Hawkins' selflessness and the fact he allowed others to take the plaudits.

Sections of the Fratton faithful couldn't quite fathom why he was released in the summer following Pompey's play-off semi-final defeat to Oxford, particularly with Brett Pitman leaving, too.

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Granted, he failed to score in 12 appearances throughout the 2019-20 campaign. But he’d had his fair share of injuries and been converted into a centre-back for a period.

There was a feeling he could provide decent back-up behind John Marquis and Ellis Harrison.

Some supporters, though, were quite happy to see him released. Even Hawkins knew that.

He was aware of his critics who thought he didn't pose enough of a goal threat.

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Those who weren't the 28-year-old's biggest fan must have been fairly startled when he got a free transfer to Ipswich.

Having left one club aiming for promotion, he joined another.

And as he prepares to face Pompey for the first time since, it seems he’s now dividing the opinion of Tractor Boys followers as well.

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Hawkins has already earned plenty of praise from Paul Lambert.

Although, the Ipswich boss has challenged the former non-league forward to start scoring more.

After netting his first goal in a 1-0 win over Crewe last week, sections of Tractor Boys fans felt it was thoroughly deserved.

'Really pleased for Oli Hawkins scoring the winner his hard work has deserved,’ wrote one on Twitter.

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'Hawkins offers so much more than (Kayden) Jackson up front,’ said another.

'Pleased that Hawkins is off the mark. Works so hard and seems absolutely determined to make this move to Town a success. Some good hold up play and once again he ran his socks off #itfc,' added a third.

All the sort of positivity he received at PO4.

But, on the flip side, there are Ipswich fans who hold the same sentiment as contingents of their Pompey counterparts.

‘Hawkins is one of the worst strikers I've seen in a blue shirt in 36 years of watching #itfc,' wrote one.

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‘I have seen enough now to say you will win nothing with Hawkins as your main striker #itfc’ another added.

‘Hawkins is worse than useless,’ said a third.

All those sort of reprovals that are nothing new to Hawkins.

He’ll be wary they are unlikely to ever change.

However, one thing Hawkins can always take solace in is Pompey and Ipswich coaching staff and team-mates alike know his true value as a striker.