Lee Bullock signs for Hartlepool United

By Albatross
June 30 2005

Martin Scott has made his first new signing, and it seems the rumours were correct: Lee Bullock, attacking midfielder and former York City player, is joining the club on a free transfer from Cardiff City.

Stockton-born Bullock started his career at York, quickly making his way into the first team. Although a midfielder, he also had a spell up front at Bootham Crescent; his overall record was 27 goals in 189 games for City.

Towards the end of the 2003/4 season Bullock came to the attention of Cardiff boss Lennie Lawrence who took him to Ninian Park initially on loan - at this point he was playing up front, and Lawrence wanted to see him in midfield before agreeing a permanent deal. Bullock inpressed in his ten games until the end of the season, scored another three goals, and Cardiff paid a fee of over £100,000 for him in the close season. Pools had been rumoured to be interested as well, but a combination of the transfer fee and the opportunity to play Division 1 football was too much to resist and so it was off to Wales. Ipswich had also been after his services.

Bullock's spell at Cardiff though has not been the happiest. He started just eight league games last season, and although he netted five goals in all competitions failed to become a regular. With new boss Dave Jones in charge and a growing financial crisis for the Bluebirds, it seems Bullock was told he was free to go despite the six figure fee just twelve months ago.

Bullock looks to be a solid signing for Pools, and provides us with more options in the centre of the park. As a more attacking player, will he be competing with Tony Sweeney? Or will he be playing alongside him in a more attack-minded central partnership? Either way, we've snapped up a player that's made more than 200 senior appearances, is still only 24, and last season was plying his trade in a higher division - let's hope he can play more Division 1 football, but this time with Pools.