Midfielder Lewis Hawkins made an impression on the Pools management while playing for Horden Colliery Welfare in the summer of 2010. He was offered a deal at Pools shortly before the end of Chris Turner's second spell as manager. Hawkins spent the next three seasons establishing himself, first in the youth team and then in the reserves. Hawkins made his debut for the first team at Walsall in March 2012 and was offered professional terms a month later. With Pools struggling in 2012/13, Hawkins remained in the reserves while more experienced players held down first team places. With relegation already confirmed, he did make a second first team appearance on the last day of the season at Crawley. His contract was extended by a further year in the summer of 2013 and he will be hoping to gain a first team spot on a more regular basis.