Familiar Face Becomes First New Yeltz Signing

Paul Smith's first signing for Halesowen Town ahead of the forthcoming 2023/24 season in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division Central is a familiar face.

Midfielder Josh Hawker re-joins the Yeltz having previously made 92 appearances scoring 5 goals.

The 29-year-old returns to The Grove from new league rivals Stratford Town, for whom he made 31 appearances and scored 6 goals in 2022/23.

Hawker had moved to the Bards in May 2022 from Halesowen having originally joined the Yeltz in June 2019 from Redditch United.

Son for former Birmingham and Walsall defender Phil Hawker, he started his career with the Blues and went on to have spells with Hereford United, Leamington and Rushall Olympic.

Smith told his club’s website: ''I’m delighted Josh has put pen-to-paper on a deal for this coming season.

“Once we achieved promotion he was desperate to come back, turning down some big offers.

“A fantastic midfielder that we all know so well''.