Former Blue Thomas Gaardsøe has announced his retirement due to a persistent groin injury. Gaardsøe made 49 appearances for the Blues between August 2001 and July 2003, scoring seven goals.

Gaardsøe controversially joined West Brom from Town for £520,000 having moved to Portman Road from AaB Aalborg for £1.3 million.

The Danish international has been suffering with the injury since last season and says he has now given up on making a full recovery: "I have made the decision. It seems like there is nothing to do and now it is just a matter of finalising my negotiations with the club regarding the remainder of my contract.

"It is of course sad, but I have had some good years as a footballer and now I have got to find something else to do.

"The doctors can't find a solution as the injury is strange and has become chronic."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls