Positive Fleetwood Aims For Impact

Youngster
By Chris O'Brien
May 3 2005

City forward Stuart Fleetwood has targeted the 2005/2006 season as his time to make an impact in the Football League Championship. The 19-year-old has been inspired by the form of fellow teenager Cameron Jerome, and hopes to put a series of injuries behind him and establish a first-team place.

Cardiff City's out-of-favour youngster Stuart Fleetwood is determined to have a big impact on the Bluebirds first-team next season, having struggled this term with injuries and a lack of opportunities.

Fleetwood has been inspired by fellow teenager Cameron Jerome, who is now an automatic choice for the City XI having impressed with his raw power and goalscoring prowess. The 19-year-old is a player regarded to have superb potential, but despite blistering pace and keen eye for goal, his ability has come into question and next season will undoubtedly be crucial for the starlet.

Despite a dissappointing season, Fleetwood has been attracting interest from a handful of other clubs. Reading, who could be playing Premiership football next campaign, have admitted scouting the forward and with the Bluebirds in a dire financial situation, the press labelled Fleetwood with a £100,000 price tag. However, Lennie Lawrence is speaking as if he intends to keep the youngster at Ninian Park.

"Stuart is back to his best, looking really sharp. It has taken a long time for him to get over the ankle, but the lad has worked hard." said the Bluebirds chief.

"After a full pre-season we'll have him really firing and he'll be challenging next season."

Fleetwood netted a goal in City's recent 2-1 reserve victory over rivals Bristol City; a game that has practically assured the Bluebirds lift the reserve league title for successive seasons. He knows this kind of form must continue in the second-string if Jerome, Thorne, Lee and Campbell are to be pressured by another attacking influence at the club.

"I know full well that I now need to push on and challenge the likes of Cameron next season. He's done a fantastic job, but I'd love to think I'll put him under pressure. I will be looking to make an impact next season."

Fleetwood will hope he can help the reserves secure their title as they take on Swindon Town at Ninian Park next Wednesday. A singular point will be enough for the Bluebirds.