Contract waiting if Leo can keep up good form

By CCFCSleepingGiant.com
August 13 2002

Lennie Lawrence has assured Leo Fortune-West that his contract will be renewed at the end of the season - if he keeps up the form which saw him named man of the match against Oldham.

Leo, 31, is out of contract at the end of the season. Speaking to the press after the Oldham game, Leo said that he would not expect to be involved if City gained promotion in Division One.

But Lawrence was impressed with Leo on Saturday and the 6ft 3" striker will start the home match against Port Vale tonight.

"Leo has said he might not be a part of things here if we get into the First Division. I pulled him aside and told him not to write himself off so easily," said Lawrence.

"The trouble with Leo is that he writes himself off too easily. If he keeps playing like he did at Oldham there will be a new contract for him, most definitely.

"He's 31 but he's in very good shape. Leo does look after himself very well. I'm not writing him off at all.

"He might not have a silky touch but goodness me he doesn't half work for the team."

Fortune-West was told on Friday night that he would be playing against Oldham. Lawrence believes that this lifted his morale had made him play the way he did.

"I'm not saying Andy Campbell, Peter Thorne and Robert Earnshaw can't play together in attack. It's just that I didn't fancy it on Saturday and I was right," added Lawrence.

In reply, Fortune-West told the Western Mail: "The gaffer has got three big names here and he's got to try and keep them all happy."

"But I got a feeling after the Bolton match that things might change for me. It went well at Oldham but it's only one game.

"I think Earnie and Andy are very similar players. They're both light and nippy. Maybe only one of can play in a 4-3-3.

"I think when I'm playing in a three-man attack I even things out a bit more. I bring something a bit different. don't find being a substitute too frustrating. Luckily, I'm the type of player who will play a part even though I'm starting on the bench.

"There are a lot of very good players at Cardiff and that includes the players who aren't involved in the match.

"The gaffer got us all together and said we can't all play but that everyone will play a part this season.

"On paper this is my last season, but as far as a new contract is concerned I'm not looking that far ahead, to be honest."