As a person he is everything that he is as a player. Hardworking, dedicated, reliable, trustworthy and just a top bloke with a great family around him

- Grant Black on Hawksworth

Defender Andy Hawksworth, who made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, won’t be available for selection again this season it has been confirmed.

Hawksworth was injured during pre-season, and despite making the starting line-up for the opening game of the season, a 2-1 victory at Prescot Cables, he was forced off in the first half with a re-occurrence of the knee injury.

After rest and rehabilitation over the early stages of this season a scan has confirmed excessive damage and the only course of action is an operation that will rule him out for around eight months.

Hawksworth is the last remaining player at the club from when Black took over, and will be a big loss according to the manager.

“As a player since the first training session I took he has been a bloke who has never once given less than 100%. He has never once moaned about money which many do, he is what we say ‘always a 7 out of 10 player’ never less”.

“Sometimes these players are worth their weight in gold. Andy is a player who would play in any position to benefit the team and put his head where people wouldn't put their feet which he often did”.

“As a person he is everything that he is as a player. Hardworking, dedicated, reliable, trustworthy and just a top bloke with a great family around him. What's has hit him hard most of all is his lad not been able to watch him as he's a big fan. Andy will be a big miss whilst he is out but he will have all the support I and the club can give him to get him back to where he wants to be which is back playing”.

Since signing in November 2015, Hawksworth has made 68 appearances hitting the net twice, the first goal on his third appearance against Ossett Albion, before doubling his tally last season with a goal in the 5-0 away win at Ramsbottom United.

Everyone at Ossett Town looks forward to continue seeing Andy and his family at Ingfield and every success in returning to the starting XI.