SHANE Supple has made the shock decision to quit football.

SHANE Supple has made the shock decision to quit football.

Ipswich Town have agreed to cancel the contract of the 22-year-old keeper at his request allowing him to pursue a career outside professional football.

“It's something that I have been thinking about for a long while,” said the Irishman.

“It's obviously a big decision but I feel that playing professional football is not something I want to continue doing as a career.

“There is no one reason why I have made my decision, there are a number of factors, but deep down my heart is not in the game anymore and I'm not going to go into work every day trying to convince myself that it is so it's the right time for me to walk away.

“I want to thank the manager for the support he has given me. He was a bit shocked when I told him and I expected that but he understood my reasons. He's been first class.

“People probably think I'm crazy but I'm not going to stay in the game for anyone else, I'm making this decision for myself.

Supple progressed through the Academy at Portman Road and helped the Blues to FA Youth Cup Final success in 2005.

He went on to make 38 first team appearances for the club, with his last game being the Carling Cup win at Shrewsbury in which he saved a penalty in Town's shoot-out win.

Supple, who earned Under-21 international honours with the Republic of Ireland, said: “I've worked with some great people in my time at Ipswich Town and had some great times at the club. It's a fantastic football club and I'll continue to follow Ipswich's fortunes. The supporters have been brilliant as well and always backed me and I want to thank them for that wonderful support.

“This is the right decision for me now. I'm going back to Ireland to spend time with my family and look at my options but they won't be in football.”

Ipswich Town chief executive Simon Clegg said: “On behalf of the club I would like to put on record our thanks to Shane for his commitment to Ipswich Town both on and off the pitch is his six years at Portman Road.

“It's obviously disappointing news for us but we respect Shane's reasons for wanting a career change and we wish him every success for the future.”