Ipswich Town have confirmed they have parted company with midfielder Jimmy Bullard by mutual consent.
Jewell could not guarantee midfielder regular football
Ipswich Town have confirmed they have parted company with midfielder Jimmy Bullard by mutual consent.
Bullard has been at Portman Road for the past 18 months, having initially joined on loan from Hull City before making the move permanent a year ago.
He made a strong start to his time with Ipswich but was not able to keep a place in the starting line-up last season and made just six substitute appearances during the second half of the campaign.
The 33-year-old has now moved on in search of a new challenge following talks with manager Paul Jewell, who has paid a glowing tribute to the player.
"I've known Jimmy for a long time. He's a top lad but he wants to play regular first-team football and I can't guarantee him that here," Jewell told the club's
official website.
"We sat down and had a straightforward chat and I explained to him that I've got to look to the future and that he was down the pecking order in terms of a starting place.
"Jimmy loves playing football and at his age, he needs to be playing so all parties agreed that it was best if he moved on.
"He's a great character to have around the place and I'm sure there will be plenty of interest in him. We wish him all the best for the future."
Bullard thanks
Bullard also expressed his gratitude to Ipswich after recognising that he would have to go elsewhere to play as regularly as he would like.
"I want to thank Paul Jewell for giving me the opportunity to play for such a fantastic football club as Ipswich Town," he said.
"I didn't play as much football as I would have liked last season and I need to be out there on the park on a Saturday afternoon, not sitting in the stands.
"I feel as fit as I've ever done and knowing that my opportunities were going to be limited at Ipswich, it's best that I move on.
"I'll miss the lads in the dressing-room. They are a great bunch and I was lucky enough to enjoy a great relationship with the supporters at Ipswich as well, which meant a lot to me. I wish the club the best of luck."
