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.”