Town Player of the Year Jimmy Bullard has given his biggest hint yet that he could be returning to Portman Road next season. The 32-year-old, who has two years left on his £45,000-a-week Hull City contract, has enjoyed one of the club’s most successful ever loan spells since signing in January.

When asked on Sky’s Goals on Sunday whether he would sign for Town today if the Blues and Hull sorted out a deal and manager Paul Jewell called offering terms, Bullard said: “Yes, if I was all right with that, of course I would. I’ve enjoyed myself brilliantly there, so let’s get on the phone to him!”

The former Peterborough, Gravesend and Northfleet, Fulham and Wigan man says he’s had a great time at Town: “I’ve enjoyed myself immensely. I’ve been there three months now and I’d love to stay here really, but at the same time I’ve got a contract at Hull City and I’ve got to respect that. Between the two clubs I’m sure we’ll sort something out.”

The one-time England call-up says the money aspect is far from his major concern: “Football for me has been my main thing. I have got a big contract at Hull City, I’ve got two years left, so I’m going to have to sit down and speak to the clubs and hopefully there’s going to be a club out there that will take me and hopefully get something sorted.

“Hull were brilliant for me to get this [loan move] done and I’m grateful to the gaffer, Paul Jewell, for giving me a call and for making it happen for me down at Ipswich.”

A reunion with his former Wigan boss Jewell was one of the reasons he jumped at the chance to join the Blues: “I had a call from Paul Jewell and it was quite an easy decision for me.

“I wasn’t getting on too well at Hull, wasn’t getting any games. As soon as I heard from him, my ears pricked up and got down here and played some football.

“I had four great years under Paul Jewell at Wigan, won a lot of games with him, won a couple of championships, got into a cup final and stayed in the Premier League comfortably.

“It brought back some good memories when I met him at Ipswich, without being disrespectful to Hull. I enjoyed myself at Hull when I could play and wherever I’ve been I enjoy myself.

“But as soon as I got to Ipswich, there was that extra little bit, knowing Paul as well. I was comfortable.”

Bullard says he was surprised to win the Town Player of the Year gong after such a short time at the club: “I couldn’t believe it! I’ve been there a couple of months on loan and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, playing 16 games.”

Newly-promoted QPR have also been linked and are understood to have been regular visitors to Portman Road during Bullard's time at Town.

Photo: Action Images

tractorgirls added 08:34 - May 2 FULLY DESERVED.....LEGEND ALREADY!
0

come_on_blues added 08:48 - May 2 Hope they sort something out and you can stay, with you we stand a good chance with you Jimmy.
0

mickswich added 08:49 - May 2 hopefully there's going to be a club out there that will take me and hopefully get something sorted. that does not mean he is interested in Ipswich only.
0

baldman added 10:01 - May 2 if jimmy reslly wants to sign and like he says its not about the money then all he has to do is cancel his contract im sure hull wont mind as they wany him of there pay roll come on jimmy rip it up and sign
0

TractorRoyNo1 added 10:21 - May 2 all depends on how much of the near £5m that Hull are prepared to write off
0

baldman added 10:50 - May 2 offer them 500.000 and two years of 45.000 a week they save should be there 5 mil
0

DiamondGezzer added 11:42 - May 2 Mickswich:- Like you, I picked up on that. Let's hope there's nothing to read between the lines and we're wrong. Jimmy:- Nearly the last time, sign here....................................
0

Crazee added 13:04 - May 2 Sorry, but with Clegg no doubt leading the main negotiations and having the final say for ME, no way can I ever see this signing becoming a reality. So, here's to hoping that I am wrong ....
0

jas0999 added 13:13 - May 2 I have no confidence in Clegg doing this or indeed any other deal. Saying that I wouldn;t want the club to break the bank for Jimmy. Luckily he has stayed reasonably fit during his loan and it has been a wonderful watching him play. But what would we do if he missed a lot of games injured and had put all our eggs in one basket? We have to consider buying other players as well. Whatever happens - all the best Jimmy. It's been great!

0

Pessimistic added 14:23 - May 2 I too have absolutely no confidence in Clegg and if he is doing the negoatiating then we can safely say there will be no deal. Clegg is the personification of uselessness.
0

DiamondGezzer added 17:01 - May 2 To all the pessimists, he's said he would like to stay, surely that has to be the main consideration !
0

Karlosfandangal added 22:04 - May 2 I know he said money is not an issue, but he is not going to walk away from a contract that will pay him over £4 million, We would need to pay him a 3 year contract of £20k a week,plus Hull would have to give him £1 million in compensation and it would still fall short of his present contract. And I can not see Hull letting go for free as he has now proved he can do a job in the Championship and could also help Hull next season. Hull want his wage of the books but they are not going to let him go on the cheap

0

blue_em_away added 13:57 - May 3 If JB signs for us in the summer I will eat this mouse here in my hand. The guy is greatful to PJ and Ipswich for putting him back in the shop window ready for his last contract as a player. Why would he want to sign for us when he has the chance to finish his career in the Premier league? I wouldn't, and I'm an Ipswich fan..... Sorry to the optimists!!!!
0

4dy added 16:12 - May 3 thats some of the transfer kitty to keep him,i hope pj signs the kind of players that complements jimmys play
0

robdaful added 17:25 - May 4 If bullard signs that would get the ball rolling and we could look like an appealing club to others. A club with ambition and heading places. However as much as I hate to say it, Norwich have shown you don't need to spend much to do well in the league.
0

Blogs 297 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls