Midfielder Jimmy Bullard will have to fight to win back a place in the Town squad having returned to the club after his two-week suspension, says boss Paul Jewell. The Blues manager has confirmed that the 33-year-old won’t be involved against the Burnley this evening.

Jewell was surprised that Bullard hadn’t started a game since the Blues’ 4-0 defeat at Burnley at the end of November, but said he would have been in the line-up for the home match against Nottingham Forest in January had he not been taken ill.

The Blues manager says last season’s Player of the Year has got to work to win back his place in the squad and then the team: “Jimmy’s been away from the club for two weeks and I don’t see the need to change the squad at the moment. Jimmy’s back in training and it’s up to him to force his way back into the squad.

“His attitude since he’s been back has been first class and at the moment there are some good players who aren’t in our team, players who are desperate to get into the team.

“We want that real desire and competition for places to continue. I don’t want people sulking if they’re not playing, which they haven’t been. We want them fighting every day to get in the team.”

Photo: Action Images

simonsays added 13:03 - Mar 21 Let's hope he doesn't take it literally!
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cooper4england added 14:18 - Mar 21 Sorry to say Hull fans were right to be glad to be rid. All those that say jimmy is good for team morale, let me paint a little scenario: Nice London hotel, quiet meal with the squad of Ipswich players doing a spot of team building~ JB (whispers): Chops...psst Chops MC: Yes Bully JB: This is dull. Fancy getting out of here? MC: Nah I'm alright Jim JB: Come on.... We could go to Newcastle. MC: Newcastle? how do we get there? JB: We can jump in a cab!!! MC: Christ, you must be made of money. (Thinks) Actually I am okay here. JB: (Thinks) ........... great casino in Newcastle MC: Oh............. I'll get my coat. JB: TAXI...... See you losers

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Armine6 added 15:10 - Mar 21 cooper4engalnd I have sat here all day doing a paper for a master's...long You have made my afternoon with a one little anecdote; Very funny ...great stuff. Get yourself on a satire show.
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TractorRoyNo1 added 15:31 - Mar 21 let's see you play 90 mins each week and get a few motm's like this time last year ie) let your feet to the talking
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NorthStandDan66 added 23:57 - Mar 21 Give me all the hate you want but I think, give him some game time in the reserves, give him a few first team games off the bench and slot him in one of the two positions just in front of the defence and we can expect good things from him again.
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MathieandMarshall added 12:51 - Mar 22 IF and it's a big IF Jimmy can get back to the player he was last season then he could have a big part to play next season. I'm not going to write him off just yet and would love to see him back at his best (which he will need to be to get in the first 11 at the moment) as it means we would have one hell of a player. A potential game changer. If it doesnt work out then we have proved that we can cope without him BUT take our current midfield options and then throw in an on form Jimmy Bullard into the mix... exciting right?

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TractorTrog added 16:19 - Mar 22 IF JB plays ~Watford and gets us a goal would all be forgiven then???
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