Bulls lead charge for Fleetwood

This article was written by Chris O'Brien and is reproduced here with his permission.

Transfer-listed Stuart Fleetwood could be set for a move to Conference outfit Hereford United. The Bulls are in talks with the 19-year-old forward, but Hamilton Academicals and Merthyr Tydfil have also shown great interest in the teenager.

Hereford United are in talks with out-of-favour Cardiff City forward Stuart Fleetwood about a move to Edgar Street.

19-year-old Fleetwood hit the headlines last week after it was revealed he was arrested for drink-driving only hours after being told his hometown club were placing him on the transfer list. The Bulls are keen to add some firepower to their forward line as they seek promotion back into the Football League.

Fleetwood, who was linked with a move to high-flying Reading over the summer, is also said to be attracting interest from SFL outfit Hamilton Academicals and local rivals Merthyr Tydfil of the Southern Premier. The Welsh Under-21 international is said to not favour a move to Scotland, but would be keen to seek first-team football with an ambitious Hereford side.

Scouts from Hamilton and Hereford are said to have been impressed with Fleetwood as the City reserves stuttered to a 1-0 win over AFC Bournemouth during the week. Go-getting Welsh League Division Two side Pontypridd recently failed in a loan bid to sign the forward to aid their promotion charge, but the player and club both now have permanent moves as a priority.

The teenager has showed so much potential in recent years at Ninian Park, and was generally regarded as a player with the calibre to play at the highest level. However, his progression has flagged and the club have decided that it would be better for all parties if he moved on after 7 years with the Bluebirds.

Fleetwood is still contracted with CCFC, and therefore any move away from Sloper Road would have to come before the transfer window closes next Tuesday night at midnight.

Chris has updated Bulls News this morning with his latest view:

Would be a good signing. He showed amazing potential as a youngster and has done well to rise through the ranks of the Ninian Park youth team system. However, in recent seasons, he has struggled to challenge for first-team football and looks unlikely to play Championship football in the near future. Premiership clubs are thought to have watched him closely in the past, whilst Reading considered making an offer during our 'sale time' over the summer pre-season.

However, things have gone quite wrong. Fleetwood was involved in a car crash on the way back from a reserve-team game and team-mate and driver, Nicky Fish was left in a coma which saw him spend weeks in intensive care. The teenager's progression had been slipping and this was a severe knock to his confidence. The player was recently transfer-listed and, despite his usual 'good behaviour', was caught drink driving only miles from the ground. Sad stuff, but he does have the ability and just needs to win back some confidence.

I understand, and most sources suggest, that Fleetwood would prefer a move to Edgar Street. Hamilton Academicals are also showing a great deal of interest, whilst I think Merthyr Tydfil could offer him a contract.

Chris O'Brien runs the Cardiff City Sleeping Giant website.www.CCFCSleepingGiant.com

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