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.