Wright devastated to be leaving the Blues

He has been told by manager Roy Keane that his contract that runs out in the summer will not be renewed.

“It has come as a shock and I’m devastated,” said the defender, who will be 30 on Saturday.

“I thought I’d done enough to be offered a new deal.

“I saw the manager on Tuesday and he said some nice things about me, but that he was looking in a new direction.

“It is not a decision I agree with, but I have to respect it.”

Wright, who has made 128 Blues appearances and scored five goals, says that he already has irons in the fire to find a new club in time for next season.

It could well be one that is within reasonable distance of Ipswich with Wright confirming how much he enjoys living in the town.

“Along with the rest of my family I love living in the area,” he went on.

“And I have loved playing for Ipswich Town.

“Apart from gaining promotion to the Premier League, which was my goal when I arrived from Wigan, I have had a great time.

“I already have irons in the fire for next season and will now be looking into setting up the next stage of my career.

“I want to stay at Championship level and this is where I am looking.”

Wright played five games while on loan at Norwich City at the end of 2005 and with the Canaries moving back into the Championship next season he might see a daily commute to Carrow Road as a way to keep his family based in East Anglia.

Unsure whether he will hold his place in the side for the final match of the season against Sheffield United at Portman Road (kick-off 1pm) on Sunday, Wright was keen to have the opportunity to express his thanks to those who have helped him during his three and a half years with Ipswich.

“I’d like to thank Ipswich fans for their wonderful support and to everybody who has helped to make my stay here so enjoyable,” he said.