Karl Hawley - Radio Lancashire Interview

Last updated : 18 June 2007 By Thetashkentterror

Karl Hawley
Ex-United striker Karl Hawley spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire on Thursday as he talked about his free transfer to Preston North End, Hawley commenting on his move to pastures new :


" I'm delighted, I can't wait to get started and I'm looking forward to every second of it really. I've always been aware that he (Paul Simpson) rated me but I never banked on it or anything. I had a few other offers and I spoke to Paul obviously a couple of weeks ago and that was it, things have just moved on from there. I made the decision and I think this is the best place for me.

" It's a big club, it wants to get promoted, it's got ambition and I'm an ambitious person. I want to get to the Premier League if I can and I think this club is heading there. They've had a few disappointments with the play-offs in the last few seasons, hopefully I can help the team and we can make it to the promised land. He (Paul Simpson) is a huge factor because he knows all about me and I know all about him. That's helpful because you can go somewhere else where you don't know the manager and you might not necessarily get on with him so it's a huge factor as well.

" Two promotions at Carlisle so hopefully we can continue that. It's a big step for me but I've got confidence in my own ability, I think that playing with better players will improve me as a player. That's what I want to do, it's all about testing yourself, I've got to do it on the pitch and that is what I am looking forward to doing. I work hard for the team, I'm a team player but mostly I like to score goals and that is what I am all about. I'd like to say that I contribute in other ways like passes and that but a goalscorer is made on his goals and that is what I'm all about.

" I wanted to see what came along at the end of the season, I've got ambitions and I wanted to play at a higher level, that's what I wanted to do. In the end it turned a bit sour because the manager (Neil McDonald) said to me that if I don't sign by a certain date then that is it, that was it really and there was no going back from there so I was a free agent and here I am.

" I wasn't disappointed with that but I can understand where he is coming from because he has to get in different players if I am going. There are no bad feelings, I spoke to the manager this morning and told him that I was coming up here. I spoke to the owner of the club (Fred Story) and told him as well so there is no bad feelings from the club. They have done wonders for me in my career and I'm grateful for that, I'm grateful to all the fans and supporters for all the support they have given me. I've got nothing but good things to say about Carlisle because they will always have a place in my heart through my career because they have helped me. "



" It (Deepdale) is a big stadium, once the other stand gets done then it will be fantastic, I just can't wait to get started really. There is massive competition for places upfront, that's another reason for why I wanted to come here because I want to be in a team where I know that I have got to be on my game or else I'm not going to be playing. It's simple and that is what football is all about, testing yourself.

" I was quite disappointed for Paul last season personally. We knew that it was a good move for him, some of the fans didn't think so but at the end of the day if you are ambitious and if you have got the chance to move up another level then you are going to take it. Towards the end of the season when they didn't get in the play-offs I was a bit disappointed for him because I know how much hard work he puts into it and how much he wants to get promoted.

" I've been away three times since the end of the season so it's not that bad. It's not nice being a free agent but I've got a good agent who looks after me and I've had more doubts than him. He's always said not to worry about it because he's known for a fact that there are clubs out there who wanted to sign me. To be honest I've had a lot of interest so it's not been as bad as it could have been if you know what I mean.

" I can't wait to meet everyone and get settled in, and just go about the business really and start the season. I don't know anyone, I know them as footballers but I don't know them as people, I've not met any of them I don't think. I'll try and get involved in the banter but I'll probably be sitting in the corner on my own for a bit. You've just got to blend in, it's like anything, you meet new people and you just have to click for the team really.

" Norwich City at home for the first game and then we've got West Bromwich Albion away which is good for my Dad because he is an Albion fan, so he'll like that one. I can't wait, if I'm in the team for the first game, to get started and show what I'm all about. That's what it's all about, that's what I wanted, to test myself against these teams and against these players. I just can't wait and I'm so excited about getting to and playing in the Championship and playing for Preston North End. "