IPSWICH TOWN: Jimmy Bullard says Ipswich Town have signed a ‘special player’ in keeper David Stockdale.

The Hull City midfielder and new Blues loanee built up a close friendship during their time at Fulham together, with Bullard – on loan at Portman Road himself last season – backing the 25-year-old to shine.

“I’m telling you, Ipswich have got themselves a special player in Stockers,” said Bullard. “He’s a blinding goalkeeper and a really, really good lad too.”

Stockdale, who has taken on his favourite squad number 13 at Ipswich for a season-long loan spell from Fulham, admitted he did seek Bullard’s advice ahead of the move.

“I did speak to him, but you know what he’s like – I could hardly get a word in edgeways!” laughed the Yorkshireman. “He spoke highly of the club and I know he enjoyed his time here.”

It’s the sort of friendship which will have Ipswich fans hoping that a return to Suffolk is still not out of the question for Bullard, who became a firm fans’ favourite earlier this year thanks to his larger-than-life character and influential role in the team’s rise up the table.

The 32-year-old is currently serving the last few days of a two-week training suspension, imposed on him by employers Hull following what the they describe as a ‘breach of club discipline’ on their recent pre-season trip to Slovenia.

Describing the situation as a ‘nightmare’, the midfielder – who has previously stated he would be a ‘very happy man’ if he were to return to Ipswich – apologetically said that he was under strict instructions not to say any more yesterday.

Would Stockdale like to be reunited with Bullard at Portman Road?

“He’s one of my personal friends and a great lad,” said the keeper. “But I can’t comment on other people’s futures.”