Ex-Portsmouth striker excited to get 'buzz back' as he promises Ipswich will see best of him

Oli Hawkins believes Ipswich fans will see the best of him.
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Hawkins scored 18 goals in 96 appearances during his three-year stay on the south coast, after arriving from Dagenham & Redbridge for an undisclosed fee in August 2017.

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Last season was a frustrating one for the 28-year-old, however.

He made only 13 outings in both striking and centre-back roles, with the likes of Ellis Harrison, John Marquis, Christian Burgess and Sean Raggett ahead in the pecking order.

But after his Fratton Park departure, Hawkins has joined the Blues' League One promotion rivals.

He put pen to paper on a two-year contract, with the option for an additional 12 months.

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And Hawkins believes he's still to hit his peak and is excited to get his 'buzz back' at the Tractor Boys.

Oli Hawkins. Picture: Simon DaviesOli Hawkins. Picture: Simon Davies
Oli Hawkins. Picture: Simon Davies
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He told Ipswich's website: ‘It’s a pleasure to have signed here. I was at Portsmouth last season and that’s a big club with an excellent fan base – it’s the same here.

‘This is a new start for me and I’m looking forward to getting that buzz back again. I still have my best to offer at this level so I want to show that.

‘I’m excited and once the football starts I really think I’ll enjoy myself here. I’m here to help the club achieve what it wants to.’'It's a club that wants to get promoted. I think it's a Championship/ Premier League club.

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‘All I want to do is be successful in my career, play at the highest level possible and be at a team that succeeds.’

Hawkins featured seven times in defence last term, as well as operating in the role on occasions during the 2017-18 campaign.

But the former non-league ace insists his focus is on being a marksman for Ipswich.

‘I'd like to come here as a striker and that will be my main focus,’ added Hawkins.

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‘Maybe I will be an option at centre-half if there was a crisis and that's a positive for me being versatile.

‘But my main focus is doing as well as I can up front, getting goals and assists and working hard for the team.’

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