Karl Hawley


Karl Leon Hawley is an English retired professional footballer. He has represented the England C team.

Career

Early career

Born in Walsall, West Midlands, Hawley started his career at his hometown club, Walsall, but made only one league appearance. During his time at the club, he had loan spells with Raith Rovers and Hereford United, where he scored his first senior goal against Burton Albion.
After being released by Walsall in 2004, he briefly joined Hednesford Town, but made just one start before being released at the end of the 2003–04 season.

Carlisle United

In the summer of 2004, Hawley joined Carlisle United in the Conference. He played a pivotal role in the club's return to the Football League, scoring 13 goals in his debut season and continuing to perform strongly the following year. In the 2005–06 season, Hawley was the top scorer in League Two, earning the League Two Fans' Player of the Year award and a place in the League Two Team of the Year. Carlisle also secured promotion to League One that season.
After three successful seasons, where he finished as the club's top scorer, Hawley left Carlisle in May 2007.

Preston North End and Other Clubs

Hawley signed with Preston [North End F.C.|Preston North End] in June 2007, where he initially found form but later struggled for playing time. Loan spells followed at Northampton Town and Colchester United, before signing with Notts County in August 2009. Despite his efforts, Hawley found it difficult to establish himself, and in 2012, he was released.
He subsequently had a short loan spell with Crawley Town and later signed for Scunthorpe United in September 2012. Hawley performed well at Scunthorpe, scoring five goals in 17 appearances, which led to a contract extension.

Later Career and Retirement

In 2013, Hawley signed for Torquay United but left the club in 2014 by mutual consent. He then joined Alfreton Town, where he had a successful spell, including scoring two goals in a notable victory over his former club, Carlisle United. After one season, Alfreton chose not to renew his contract.
Hawley later signed with Stourbridge in the summer of 2015 and went on to become the Evo-Stik League Premier Division Player of the Season in 2015–16. His playing career concluded with spells at Rushall Olympic and Boston United, before retiring from professional football.

Coaching career

Coaching and Development
After his stint at Stourbridge, Hawley transitioned into coaching. In 2023, he continues to work in football, developing youth players and contributing to grassroots football programs. His most prominent coaching role came when he joined Mansfield Town as a first-team coach in 2016. In October 2017, he served briefly as the club's temporary manager before stepping down in November.
2023 Coaching Updates
In 2023, Hawley has been actively involved in coaching at various levels, focusing on youth development. He has been working with local football academies in the West Midlands, where he helps young players transition to professional football. His experience as a forward and his knowledge of lower league football has been particularly valuable in mentoring young strikers. Hawley has also been involved in several grassroots football initiatives aimed at increasing participation in the sport in underrepresented areas.
He is also a regular guest on local football shows, providing insights into lower league football and discussing the challenges facing young footballers aspiring to make it to the professional level.

Coaching career

After a successful spell at Stourbridge he left at the end of the season for League 2 side Mansfield Town to become a first team coach.
On 30 October 2017, Hawley was hired as a temporary manager. He left the job again on 12 November 2017.

Honours

Carlisle United
Individual

Post-Retirement Activities

Since retiring, Karl Hawley has remained heavily involved in football. In 2023, he has participated in football charity events and continues to work as a pundit for lower-league matches. Hawley has also been a part of local football community projects, helping to improve facilities and coaching standards at grassroots levels. His work in these areas has earned him recognition in the football community as a former professional who has successfully transitioned into coaching and mentoring roles.