Fleetwood believed to be closing in on the next Jamie Vardy

Fleetwood Town are believed to be chasing a non-league hot-shot who has been tipped as the next Jamie Vardy.
Ashley NadesanAshley Nadesan
Ashley Nadesan

Ashley Nadesan, 21, has fired in 99 goals for Surrey-based Combined Counties Premier Division side Horley Town in the last two campaigns.

The McDonald’s worker has had trials at Town’s fellow League One outfit Millwall and Premier League side Norwich in April.

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But an unnamed source says his mum reportedly lives in Blackpool and believes the striker could be set for a move to the North West and hopefully follow in former Fleetwood player and Premier League title winner Leicester City forward Vardy.

The player Tweeted that he was hopefully sorting out his football future 14 hours ago.

He tweeted: “Hopefully sorting out my football future soon.”

Horley Town manager Anthony Jupp told our sister paper the Crawley Observer on April 6 that the striker is ready to make the step up to the professional level.

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He said: “I have had him since he was 17, he played in my youth team at Horley when I was manager, it was quite clear to see then that he had natural talent especially pace.

“We played him at centre back as lots of players were not available and he scored a hat-trick!

“As soon as I was given the first team manager’s job two seasons ago he was straight in the side and we played him up front, he wasn’t a physical player at all but he still managed to score 44 goals in total that season.

“He had plenty of offers from local Ryman sides at the beginning of this season but I had a long chat with him and persuaded him to play another full season at our level, to gain more experience along with working on his weaknesses.

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“He did this and I’m so proud of him, not many players would have listened to their manager they would of chased the money but not Ashley he showed great loyalty to myself and his team-mates.

“In my 20-odd years of playing and managing and even watching I haven’t seen a player with so much pace.

“I believe he will get offered a contract of some description with a pro’ club very soon.

“He has been watched over the last few weeks by a number of clubs, including Norwich, Brighton, Maidenhead, Colchester, AFC Wimbledon, Millwall and Crawley. I’m sure there is many more that I do not know about.”

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Nadesan’s agent, Darren Lewis, who also acts for Mark Yates, is certain the Horley resident will make it to a Football League club.

He said: “The scouts definitely believe it. He needs to get some professional coaching.

“Ash has an abundance of talent and is a fantastic finisher. He also has good movement and speed.

“Charlie Austin came from the same level and I would expect a League Two club to take a chance on him, it would be silly for them not to.

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“Crawley are keeping their interest open. They will be given every opportunity to take him if they want.”

Nadesan played and scored in Millwall’s 4-2 win over Barnsley’s Under-21 side during his week long trial back in April.

The Lions manager Neil Harris acknowledged it was a successful trial, telling the South London Press: “He did well and showed his potential as a striker.

“He enjoyed his time with us. With his record, he certainly knows where the goal is.

“Nothing has been decided either way yet. He has had lots of offers to go to other professional clubs. So we will have to wait and see what happens.

“It might be one we revisit in the summer.”