YORK City academy goalkeeper Scott Allison has joined Cardiff City.

Allison, 16, was invited for a trial with the Bluebirds at the end of last season and will now serve his apprenticeship in Wales.

His switch comes just a week before midfielder Lee Bullock is expected to put pen to paper for the Welsh club.

The Minstermen will receive an immediate compensation fee with further money due if Allison is given a professional contract and is later sold on.

City finance director Terry Doyle said: "The move is completely independent of the Lee Bullock transfer. Scott's decided he wants to go down there and we will be given a compensation fee.

"It's a small but fair one and there will be the normal add-ons should he get a professional contract with a sell-on clause as well. The deal will be valuable to us if he makes progress."

Doyle also confirmed that money received from the imminent sale of Bullock will not be given as funds to player-boss Chris Brass for squad strengthening.

The money is required to cover some of the costs incurred by the club last season and means City are likely to start next season on an even financial keel.

Doyle said: "Chris Brass is aware that the money is needed as part of the process of stabilising the club after last season. On the assumption that Lee Bullock's move does go through, the club will have made significant steps towards stabilising.

"There were an enormous number of commitments we took on and that means the funds will not form part of Chris' budget for next season but it means that we can start it with as clean a slate as possible. We will certainly be going into next season in a healthier financial situation than we began the last."

Doyle and chief executive Keith Usher both attended the Conference's annual general meeting in Eastbourne at the weekend when it was confirmed the Conference League Cup would be re-introduced for next season.

The new format will also include the Conference Two North and South teams with City entering the competition at a later stage and all matches will be played on midweek nights.

But the Bootham Crescent club may not be involved in the LDV Vans Trophy next season.

LDV have withdrawn their sponsorship, throwing a question mark over whether Conference clubs will be invited into the competition next season and threatening its very existence unless new financial supporters can be found.

About the reformed Conference Cup, Doyle said: "We will welcome being involved in the competition and I would like to think we are well-placed to do well in any competitions we enter next season and aim to be as successful as we can. The meeting was very important in getting a feel for the Conference and was interesting.

"There's no doubt that there are some very professional clubs in this league and they are looking forward to playing us and making us welcome."

Updated: 10:30 Monday, June 07, 2004