‘I’ll always be a fan of Ipswich Town’ says Luke Hyam as club confirm he is to leave

The Blues have decided not to take up the option on academy product Hyam, 26, leaving him free to look for another club.

Hyam played in 146 games for Town, scoring three goals. The former Northgate High School pupil, who joined the club aged 11, was popular with many fans due to his all-action, industrious style, but has struggled with injuries in recent times.

Talking about his exit, Hyam said: “It’s a bit surreal at the moment. I’ve been to the training ground and the club to say goodbye to the staff. It’s not really sinking in at the moment.

- MORE: Are Ipswich Town right to release Luke Hyam?

Luke Hyam's all-action style has often seen him attract the attention of referees! Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

“I’ve been here since the age of 11 and the club has been a big part of my life and I have so many great memories.

“My debut as an 18-year-old at Middlesbrough, getting thrown in there. The Norwich games, captaining the team at Portsmouth was a real highlight for me as well. There are many more.

“I’m a Town fan and to play for the club that you support is a dream for any player, not just me so I’m very privileged to have been able to do that.

“I wish the club all the best for the future and I’ll always be a fan and look out for how well the team does.

Luke Hyam has been with Ipswich for 15 years. Picture: JAMES AGER

- MORE: McGoldrick set to follow Hyam out of the Town exit

“It’s an uncertain time for me at the moment. It’s the first time I’ve been in this situation but it’s an exciting time as well.

“It might be the right thing for me as well, with the age that I’m at now, to have a new challenge.

“Hopefully I can get something sorted as soon as possible. I’ve missed a lot of football because of my injuries but to me the most important thing now is to be playing games week in, week out.”

While he was popular with many fans, a poll run on this website revealed that supporters believe it is right to let Hyam go - 75% of more than 800 voters backing the club’s decision.

- MORE: Paul Hurst now odds-on for vacant Town manager’s job

And it looks like he’ll be followed out of the door by David McGoldrick as the silky striker, who has long battled injury problems, is out of contract with the Blues and looks set to move on.

No new deal has been offered to the 30-year-old as yet, though it’s understood that there have been negotiations.

In total, McGoldrick bagged 45 goals in 126 starts and 33 sub appearances, having joined Town in January 2013 from Nottingham Forest.