Ipswich new boy Danny Higginbotham is virtually resigned to leaving parent club Stoke when his contract expires at the end of the season, if not sooner.

The one-time Manchester United youngster, who has also played for Derby, Southampton and Sunderland, is at Portman Road on a month-long loan, although he would be interested in extending his stay if both parties are in agreement.

But looking to the future he said: “I’ve not really spoken with [Stoke manager] Tony Pulis about my future at the club but I’m into my last year there and I honestly believe my time is coming to an end.

“There are no hard feelings because I’m a person who knows when it is time to move on. I’ve had some great years at Stoke and enjoyed some great times but I’m pretty sure that come the end of the season that will be me done there.

“I’m not a fantasist who makes things up and believes there’s something there if there’s not, so in my opinion it’s all about me going out and showing that I can still play football, then getting something sorted at the end of the season.

“I have spoken to a lot of players who have retired and who wish they could turn back the clock. I want to play for as long as I can — that’s the main objective at this stage of my career.

"You are retired a long time and I don’t want to be looking back with any regrets. I believe I still have quite a few years left in me.”

Photo: Action Images

cornishnick added 12:23 - Sep 28 Decent enough player at this level, hopefully he'll do a good job and bring some organisation to the defence. Wouldn't mind keeping him, but I guess that will also depend on our league position come January. Doubt if he'd fancy a championship relegation scrap
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Tractamatt added 12:25 - Sep 28 Odd thought - If he plays really well for us Stuke would ask for silly money, if he plays ok they ask for a relative token price and if he's useless they let him go for free but we don't want him COYB
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beerhelps added 12:27 - Sep 28 Earn yourself a contract, Danny - We could use another Mowbrey or DeVos organising things at the back, setting the right example, teaching the youngsters, for a couple of years.
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Crofty added 13:18 - Sep 28 Think this could be a really good signing for us!! Come on Danny boy help move us up the table!
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jamesmostevens added 14:54 - Sep 28 Trust me Danny, you wouldn't be very good at fantasising if you fantasise about Stoke.
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JimmyJazz added 15:17 - Sep 28 Tractamatt - as he's in his last year of contract Stoke won't be asking for much if anything. What could possibly change dependant on how he does is his wage expectation
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