Karl Hawley

Early career

Born in Walsall, West Midlands, Hawley started his career at his hometown club, Walsall, but made only one league appearance. During his time at the club, he had loan spells with Raith Rovers and Hereford United, where he scored his first senior goal against Burton Albion. After being released by Walsall in 2004, he briefly joined Hednesford Town, but made just one start before being released at the end of the 2003–04 season.

Carlisle United

In the summer of 2004, Hawley joined Carlisle United in the Conference. He played a pivotal role in the club's return to the Football League, scoring 13 goals in his debut season and continuing to perform strongly the following year. In the 2005–06 season, Hawley was the top scorer in League Two, earning the League Two Fans' Player of the Year award and a place in the League Two Team of the Year. Carlisle also secured promotion to League One that season. After three successful seasons, where he finished as the club's top scorer, Hawley left Carlisle in May 2007.

Preston North End and Other Clubs

Hawley signed with Preston North End in June 2007, where he initially found form but later struggled for playing time. Loan spells followed at Northampton Town and Colchester United, before signing with Notts County in August 2009. Despite his efforts, Hawley found it difficult to establish himself, and in 2012, he was released. He subsequently had a short loan spell with Crawley Town and later signed for…

After his stint at Stourbridge, Hawley transitioned into coaching. In 2023, he continues to work in football, developing youth players and contributing to grassroots football programs. His most prominent coaching role came when he joined Mansfield Town as a first-team coach in 2016. In October 2017, he served briefly as the club's temporary manager before stepping down on 12 November 2017. Since 2023, Hawley has been actively involved in coaching at various levels, focusing on youth development. He has been working with football academies in the West Midlands. Hawley has also been involved in several grassroots football initiatives aimed at increasing participation in the sport in underrepresented areas. He is also a regular guest on local football shows, providing insights into lower league football.

As of match played 16 December 2017

Carlisle United

Football League Two: 2005–06 Conference National play-offs: 2005 Football League Trophy runner-up: 2005–06 Notts County

Football League Two: 2009–10 Individual

PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2005–06 League Two PFA Team of the Year: 2005–06 Football League Two, 2006–07 Football League Two Football League Two Player of the Year: 2006–07 Evo-Stik League Supporter's Player of the Season: 2015–16 Evo-Stik League Premier Division Player of the Season: 2015–16