COLIN HAWKINS

'Colin Hawkins' (born August 17 1977, Galway, Ireland), is an Irish professional footballer who currently plays for Coventry City FC in the Football League Championship. Hawkins is a central defender, and has represented the Republic of Ireland at youth and U21 levels.

Contents

Playing Career

Youth / Coventry City

St Patrick's Athletic

Doncaster Rovers

Bohemians / Shelbourne

Honours

Clubs

Ireland

England

External links

Playing Career

Youth / Coventry City

Hawkins began his playing career with local Galway side Salthill Devon F.C., and played for them in the Football League of Ireland Cup aged 17. After finishing his secondary education Hawkins was offered a 2 year contract with English Premiership side Coventry City F.C. after impressing in trials. After the 1996/97 season the Coventry management deemed Hawkins to be surplus to requirements and released him, having never played a senior game. That summer he played a starring role in the Brian Kerr managed Republic of Ireland under 20 side in the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championships, helping Ireland to 3rd place.

St Patrick's Athletic

Despite interest from several British sides Hawkins signed for Irish top flight club St Patrick's Athletic, where he linked up with fellow Bronze medallists from the FIFA World Youth Championships, Trevor Molloy and Thomas Morgan. Hawkins immediately earned a starting spot alongside Packie Lynch and their solid base helped St Pats win the championship in his first season. Hawkins was rewarded with the Players' Young Player of the Year Award. In November 1998 he was awarded the FAI national League player of the year award. St Pats also won the league in Hawkins second season. During these years he would represent Ireland many times at Under 21 level. Hawkins was injured at the start of the 1999/2000 season and on his return was played in a deep midfield role. He was not comfortable there and his performance levels dropped remarkably. Towards the end of the season it was announced that he would not stay with St Pats, but join English Football Conference side Doncaster Rovers.

Doncaster Rovers

Hawkins was signed by Ian Snodin, but within weeks Snodin was sacked and replaced by Steve Wignall. Wignall did not rate Hawkins as highly as Snodin did, and initially Hawkins had to be content with only substitute appearances. He broke into the starting line up in November 2000 and remained there for the rest of the 2000/01 season. Hawkins had firmly established himself in the side during the first half of the 2001/02 season but was forced to leave the club, after Doncaster were forced to cut their playing squad down due to financial restrictions.

Bohemians / Shelbourne

November 2001 saw Hawkins return to Ireland to play for Bohemians and he made his debut for the "Gypsies" against fromer club St. Pats on November 30. In 2003 Hawkins won his third league winners medal as Bohemians won their second title in 3 years. At the end of the 2004 season, Bohemians Dublin rivals Shelbourne signed 3 out-of-contract players from them; Hawkins, Glen Crowe, and Bobby Ryan. Hawkins won his first fourth league title, and his first piece of silverware at Shelbourne, as they won their third title in 4 years in November 2006 defeating Bohemains 2-1 to clinch the top spot.

Honours

★ 'League of Ireland Championships'

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★ 1997/98 - St Patrick's Athletic

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★ 1998/99 - St Patrick's Athletic

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★ 2002/03 - Bohemians

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★ 2006 - Shelbourne

★ 'FIFA World Youth Championships'

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★ 1997 - Republic of Ireland - Bronze medal

★ 'Individual Honours'

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★ 1997/98 - PFAI Young Player of the Year (St Patrick's Athletic)

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★ 1998 FAI National League Player of the Year (St Patrick's Athletic)

Clubs

Ireland

St Patrick's Athletic

Bohemians

Shelbourne

England

Coventry City

Doncaster Rovers

External links

★ Hawkins @ soccerbase

★ Hawkins @ shelbournefc.ie