Exclusive: Exeter City To Renew Interest In National League Forward

Exeter City are set to renew their interest in Southend United striker Harry Cardwell before the ending of the January transfer window, sources have informed Look Sports Media.

The 27-year-old has been the main man in attack for the National League side so far this season and was the subject of a bid from the League One side during the summer transfer window.

Who is Harry Cardwell?

Cardwell broke onto the first-team scene with Reading as well as having various loan and permanent switches with the likes of Stockport County (loan), Grimsby Town and Chorley before completing a permanent switch to Southend United in January 2022.

The forward has made over 50 appearances for the National League side since his arrival, including netting 12 goals in 21 league games so far this season. However, the forward has been missing since the end of November after suffering an injury.

Pushing for survival

Exeter City are currently hovering above the relegation zone, although the side are still on the search for a replacement for both loanee Jay Stansfield and Sam Nombe who departed the club during the summer transfer window. The side are a point above the bottom four, taking seven points from their last five matches but have played a game more than the Royals.

Meanwhile, Southend United are attempting to use the motivation from their takeover announcement to fuel their aspirations of making an unlikely dart for the playoff places this season. Currently, Kevin Maher’s side are 12th in the National League, but would be in the top seven if it wasn’t for their points deduction.

His contract status

Cardwell signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Southend United upon joining the side in January 2022, meaning he is set to become a free agent in just under six-months time unless Kevin Maher’s side can tie him down to a fresh contract.

However, with Southend United’s current status upon their latest takeover update, they face an increased chance of retaining their star man but that won’t be as simple as it seems.

Writer’s View

The striker has been one of the division’s standout performers so far this season and it is no surprise that there are EFL sides taking a firm interest in his services ahead of a potential move.

With just six-months left on his contract, the pressure is firmly on Southend United to see whether they can persuade the 27-year-old to extend his stay with the National League side rather than make a switch into the EFL.