Simon joins chase for non-league superstar

May 30 2008 by David Triggs, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER City have joined the hunt for free-scoring forward Stuart Fleetwood – but the Forest Green Rovers hitman looks destined to move elsewhere as the race for his signature intensifies.

Blues boss Simon Davies last night revealed he was facing fierce competition from a clutch of other clubs for the highly-rated Fleetwood, who bagged 28 goals in the Blue Square Premier last season.

Although Davies will continue to keep tabs on the 24-year-old through the summer, he admits the much-fancied Welshman is likely to move to a team at a higher level.

The Chester manager said: “I’ve spoken to Stuart Fleetwood’s agent, but he’s getting a lot of interest from leagues above ours so it looks unlikely at the moment, unless they weren’t to sort things out.

“We’ve registered a lot of interest, because he’s a good player, but it’s out of our hands when it comes to bigger clubs coming in.”

Fleetwood, who has turned down the offer of a new contract at Forest Green, started his career at Cardiff City and has also played for Hereford and Accrington Stanley (loan). He is also thought to be wanted by Exeter City and Brentford, as well as teams in League One.

With City unlikely to succeed in their bid to sign Fleetwood, they will continue to press ahead with their pursuit of Vauxhall Motors forward Paul Taylor.

The Blues agreed a fee for the former Manchester City ace at the weekend but are still to hold talks with the player and his representative over personal terms.

Davies said: “I’m getting these players in to fight for positions. If the likes of Chris Holroyd and Paul McManus come back in for pre-season and do their stuff, then there’s no saying they won’t be in the starting XI.”

Since returning from a family holiday in the Canary Islands on Wednesday, Davies has been busy drawing up plans for two behind-closed-doors trial games in which he hopes to run the rule over some out-of-contract trialists.

Chester have extended the deadline for their May ‘early bird’ season ticket offer. Fans now have until 4pm on Monday to take advantage of a special offer entitling them to five ‘free’ matches and a car park pass.

The Deva Stadium ticket office is open from 10am-4pm on weekdays, but is closed at weekends. For further season ticket details, contact the club on 01244 371376.

For the latest Blues transfer news, keep logging on to www.chesterchronicle.co.uk