Lee Bullock Signs for City

Lee Bullock
By Chris O'Brien
June 28 2004

Cardiff City have finally completed the signing of midfielder Lee Bullock. The former York City player spent a three-month loan at Ninian Park towards the end of last season, and has now signed for the club on a permanent basis despite the Bluebirds stalling on the deal for several weeks.

Cardiff City have finally completed the signing of York City midfielder Lee Bullock for an initial fee of £75,000. After a 3-month loan move to the Bluebirds, City have stalled on making the deal permanent attracting interest from other clubs including Hartlepool United and Nottingham Forest.

Bullock made a total of 10 appearances during his time at Ninian Park towards the end of last season, starting four of these goals and finding the net on three occasions. The club were uncertain whether the Stockton-born midfielder had what it takes to play regularly at this level, but with only a small fee involved have taken the risk and he will now join up with the rest of the squad for pre-season training on July 1st.

The fee initially stands at £75,000, the same fee the club paid for Lee Bullock, and this could rise to £100,000 depending on appearances. A sell-on clause is likely to be involved in the deal. Whether the club will splash out any more cash over the pre-season remains to be seen, with our much-publicised debts growing all the time. A possible sale of Robert Earnshaw could fund several signings, but we will have to sit tight to see what happens there.

Bullock will struggle to be a regular in the City midfield, and is most likely going to have to settle for a place on the bench. However, at the age of just 23 he is a player with time on his hands and showed promise during his loan spell. Lennie Lawrence is confident that the club can help Bullock progress as he looks to make the grade at First Division level.

"We have taken a close look at Lee and I believe he has ability we can help him work on and develop." said the City boss.

Bullock has been with York since 1998, making nearly 200 appearances for the Yorkshire club and finding the net on 27 occasions in all competitions. Unfortunately, the club were relegated in May and face a tough struggle to get back their league status in a Conference league that is improving in standard all the while. The club are also struggling financially, so the sale of Bullock will be of assistance on that front.

Supporters have expressed mixed opinions about the signing of Bullock. His record on paper during his loan period is impressive, but his effect on the midfield as a whole was minimal and reports from York City do not suggest he will be a major coup for the club. However, he seems keen on the move and will hopefully contend for a regular place in the Bluebirds midfield. Welcome back to Ninian Park.