IPSWICH Town have officially confirmed that Jimmy Bullard has left the club after reaching a mutual agreement over the final year of his contract.

With the Green’Un first to break the news last Thursday lunchtime, the club has today released an official statement confirming the 33-year-old midfielder’s departure just a year after a successful loan move was turned into a permanent switch.

Jewell said: “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.

“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, who made just six substitute appearances for the Blues in the second half of last season, said: “I want to thank Paul Jewell for giving me the opportunity to play for such a fantastic football club as Ipswich Town.

“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.”

The Green’Un understands that the Blues are in talks with Rangers and USA midfielder Maurice Edu. For all the latest on this story, keep an eye on this website throughout the day.

– EADT and Ipswich Star reporter Stuart Watson looks back on Jimmy Bullard’s rollercoaster time at Ipswich Town: http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/jimmy_bullard_exit_a_look_back_on_the_dressing_room_joker_s_rapid_fall_from_grace_1_1477611