Town have agreed to cancel keeper Shane Supple’s contract at the player’s request as he looks to pursue a career away from football. The 22-year-old says his heart is no longer in the game and he will be returning to Ireland to consider his future.

The Republic of Ireland U21 cap told the club site: "It's something that I have been thinking about for a long while.

"It's obviously a big decision but I feel that playing professional football is not something I want to continue doing as a career. There is no one reason why I have made my decision, there are a number of factors, but deep down my heart is not in the game any more and I'm not going to go into work every day trying to convince myself that it is, so it's the right time for me to walk away.

"I suppose you could say that I have fallen out of love with the game and when then happens, I've always said to myself that I wouldn't hang around. All I wanted to do when I was younger was play in the Premier League, but as you grow up you realise that there are other things in life and, to be honest, the game is not what I thought it was.

"I want to thank the manager for the support he has given me. He was a bit shocked when I told him and I expected that but he understood my reasons. He's been first class. People probably think I'm crazy but I'm not going to stay in the game for anyone else, I'm making this decision for myself.

"I've worked with some great people in my time at Ipswich Town and had some great times at the club. It's a fantastic football club and I'll continue to follow Ipswich's fortunes. The supporters have been brilliant as well and always backed me and I want to thank them for that wonderful support.

"This is the right decision for me now. I'm going back to Ireland to spend time with my family and look at my options but they won't be in football."

Chief executive Simon Clegg thanked Supple for his contribution while with Town: "On behalf of the club I would like to put on record our thanks to Shane for his commitment to Ipswich Town both on and off the pitch in his six years at Portman Road.

"It's obviously disappointing news for us but we respect Shane's reasons for wanting a career change and we wish him every success for the future."

Supple joined the academy at 15, spending the final year of his schooling at Playford Road and was a member of the 2005 FA Youth Cup-winning side, picking up the man of the match award in the second leg of the final against Southampton.

A keen hurler and Gaelic footballer, Supple, who signed a new one-year contract this summer, made 36 starts and two sub appearances for the Blues, in addition to loan spells at Falkirk and Oldham. The Carling Cup tie at Shrewsbury a week ago was his final game.

Town are already close to adding another keeper to their squad with TWTD revealing that Bohemian stopper Brian Murphy would be on his way to Portman Road when the Irish season ends in November.

The announcement of Supple’s shock exit may suggest that Murphy’s recruitment has been moved forward or that another keeper could be coming in on loan between now and January when Murphy would be able to play if he signs in November as had been planned.

The Blues only other keeper at present is youngster Ian McLoughlin, who could make his senior debut at Peterborough next week if no other keeper is signed by then.

Photo: Action Images

motch2009 added 12:32 - Aug 20 I THINK HE WILL COME BACK, a'la Garvan situation 2 seasons ago, if not its a shame but maybe clive baker will come back
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motch2009 added 12:54 - Aug 20 Clive Baker we need you
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townfan added 12:56 - Aug 20 ippy have actually singed a keeper already on a 6 month trial, which it doesn't mention. he is a local lad and was with the boys for the back end of pre-season as he was without a club. he signed last night.
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motch2009 added 12:56 - Aug 20 mccauley out Santos and Diallo back lol
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kelvin525 added 13:09 - Aug 20 Brave decision from the lad. Good luck Shane
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GeorgiDoundarov added 13:10 - Aug 20 Good luck to you Shane! I was surprised to read this but I respect his desicion. He is young and if he feels football is not the thing he wants to do then this is the right time to stop. At his age he may continue his education in different field. Good luck again!
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Pendejo added 13:18 - Aug 20 I said years ago that with that name he'd be better suited to being a gay porn actor...... well you never know... Inappropriate sense of humour aside... it is a shame as he looked a decent 'keeper whenever I've seen him play... maybe in 5 years time he'll pop up between the sticks keeping a clean sheet for an Irish league side Vs Chelmanpoolnal in a CL Qualifier, after he's had his career break like.

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trueblue added 13:22 - Aug 20 LOOSING A GREAT PLAYER BUT LOOSING THE LOVE FOR THE GAME WE KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. WE WERE THERE TUESDAY. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR FUTURE YOU WILL BE MISSED...
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tractorboybig added 13:23 - Aug 20 Goes to show that when you can F*** someone around you p*** them off, how many more are the club trying this tatic on?
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bigfish added 13:30 - Aug 20 Shock - however good player, will be missed. Honesty we appreciate and wish him well
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stainless added 13:32 - Aug 20 To be honest it's a decision i'm sure he will grow to regret, there isn't many careers that enable you to earn ridiculous amounts of money and have fun whilst your doing it. Maybe he isn't having fun at the moment, but a change of clubs and regular 1st team football in league 1 or 2 would surely sort him out. This just shows the problems that can occur by bringing kids into the fold of pro football teams at such a young age, they never get to see life for the average person, they think life is easy. Lets see how he enjoys working on a building site in the middle of winter or perhaps being in the same office staring at the same walls everyday 40 hours a week 48 weeks a year, driving a 2nd hand ford focus worth £3K and having a 7 day holiday in Ibiza if he doesn't go out for 3 months he should save enough money to afford it.

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JohnTy added 13:40 - Aug 20 I also fear he may regret the decision - and may reappear for another club sometime. Good final memories of him for those who saw him in the penalty shoot out at Shrewsbury. Wish him all the best.
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BlueFinn added 13:54 - Aug 20 I hope it's not out of frustration on his situation with Ipswich. But if like he states he's lost his appetite for football and has other opportunities in life that's OK then.
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CapnBlues added 13:55 - Aug 20 Agree with all the comments here, this is quite gutting! Such a bright prospect and nice person. I'm sure 95% of footballers would rather sit on the bench and pick up a heftypay packet for playing a few cup or reserve games a year and he has shown a lot of bravery especially during a recession! I wish him every future success, even if he returns to football one day. Really changed my mind about the modern day footballer!

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siralfstrackie added 14:10 - Aug 20 Good luck, Shane in whatever you decide to do. We, the fans always had great faith in you, one of the best young goalkeepers in the country, but sometimes we all have to make a leap of faith and I can only applaud your bravery in taking your own. Once again, all the best for your future.
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TractorBoyOlly added 14:11 - Aug 20 Shocking news Shane. Good luck with whatever you choose to do next, always thought you were a top keeper and was unlucky to always be the number 2.
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Sibelius8 added 14:17 - Aug 20 The earlier, G.P.O., reference from 'ITFCHollywood' in these columns perhaps refers to Charlie Clover, who gained an Olympic Medal (Javellin, I recall?) at a similar age, but then gave it all up to become an Ipswich Postman. He, of all people, would give a fascinating insight into why this may have happened. Are you out there?
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blue_nose added 14:19 - Aug 20 I feel for that lad. Maybe a break will do him good and his hunger will return and we will see him play the game again. Good luck Shane
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GarvanIsGod added 14:27 - Aug 20 A great shame. With Wright in goal he would odds on not get first team football, which is a shame as watching him develop he was and is a good keeper. But brave deicision to step away, he's had the experience and now can move on. Good luck to him with whatever he does in the future.
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BlueBoots added 14:34 - Aug 20 A real shame - can't say I'm too in love with the game at the moment either after Town's start to the season... I'm pretty sure I'll get my enthusiasm back though, and if Shane does too once he returns to Ireland, I hear the No.1 jersey at Bohemians may be available soon ;^D
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Tommychimp added 14:47 - Aug 20 Surely something has happened here. A young lad with a career in football ahead of him does not just give up. Good luck to him though.
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kerryblue added 14:47 - Aug 20 Along with all the other comments Im totally gutted by Shanes decission but can understand it,I dont think he has been given a fair chance by Town and in particular during the Magilton era,he has seen so many other keepers come to Town and being overlooked so many times ,I wish he had waited a little longer though as "dickie" is looking very dodgy and to blame for alot of silly goals conceded .Ireland also need a decent keeper and a run in Towns first team would have gotten him into the squad on a regular basis.Good luck Shane you are a great keeper and better than Dickie anyday

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WickedBlue added 14:54 - Aug 20 Good Luck Shane, I hope you find happiness in whatever you do. Sorry about some of the comments on here that want to use your decision as another means to slag off Magilton, slag off the club and slag off other players, unforunatly we have a rather large fans base of moronic muppets.
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Titters added 15:00 - Aug 20 It is a real shame as Supple did look a good long-term prospect. He has probably lost faith as he may feel that although he isn't the regular first-team goalkeeper, he should at least get a game at left back, judging by the other options!
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Marshalls_Mullet added 15:14 - Aug 20 Can understand it in a way, playing in goal is not enjoyable in the same way it is for an outfield player. You are not in control of your own destiny during the game and it must be extremely high pressure in the professional game. I have played in goal at a good amateur level, but never enjoyed playing the position. It only becomes enjoyable once the 90 mins is up and youve kept a clean sheet. No wonder they say professional keepers have to be mad. Maybe shane is too much of a sensitive soul, but a very talented keeper.

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