JAMES Pullen and Nabil Abidallah have been added to the free transfer list at Ipswich Town, writes Derek Davis.The duo have been told they can leave the club even though they each have another year left on their contracts.

JAMES Pullen and Nabil Abidallah have been added to the free transfer list at Ipswich Town, writes Derek Davis.

The duo have been told they can leave the club even though they each have another year left on their contracts.

Former Ajax youngster Abidallah has an opportunity to impress immediately with a trial period set up for him with Swiss side FC Thun.

The 20-year-old made his debut as a substitute in the Premiership against Everton and the Blues went on to win. But chances have been sparse and he has made just one brief appearance this season when he went on for the last 11 minutes against Morecambe in the FA Cup last January.

Pullen made his full debut this year in the 3-1 League Cup win over Middlesbrough, but then had a disappointing league debut against Grimsby.

Royle said: "James has a certain promise. He can make saves and he has a good build for the job but he has come to the age now where he needed to be pressing Andy Marshall harder. He is not being judged on one game where he looked nervous, it is what we see in training and in reserve games."

Alun Armstrong was told last Friday that he was no longer required, while Martijn Reuser and Finidi George were put on the list last January.

Reuser has forced his way back into the starting line-up after a long injury lay-off and may cause Royle to change his mind while George has continued hip problems.

But the Blues boss is already wheeling and dealing and while the players start to relax for the summer next week he will be in his office preparing for next season in an upbeat mood.

He said: "After seeing what we have here this year and the base we are going to have for next season we still have a very good squad. We need to be free of injuries more and have a lot less suspensions

"I'm feeling very positive about next season. It is pointless looking back now, I mean, how many times do you spank the dog for making a mess. You have to look forward."

Although Royle admits he is working from a good base he has made it clear adjustments are needed in one or two areas and he wants to bring in players, either on free transfers or loan deals when the club comes out of administration if the Company Voluntary Arrangement is accepted on Friday.

Richard Naylor, Fabian Wilnis and Jim Magilton will all be offered new contracts in June but probably at less generous terms than they are on currently.