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

Tiggs added 22:29 - Aug 20 Good luck Shane in whatever you choose to do. I can understand in some way why you have fell out of love for the game as it has changed significantly in the last few years, also affecting our own club to a greater extent since money has arrived at Portman Road. Only time will tell whether this will used in such a way to ensure that the Premier dream is achieved - but at what cost to the youth policy of our football club?

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buryblue77 added 23:59 - Aug 20 Good luck to the lad, in whatever his new chosen career will be. It's sad to see him go as he is a class keeper but I admire his decision. He was earning more than most of us on here for being a number two in a championship club but at the end of the day if he feels he needs a change.....after all, professional football is nothing but a job, usually a well paid job albeit but what do us mere mortals do when we get bored in our jobs? Look for a new one! Good luck Shane and thanks for your time here at Ipswich

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superblue121 added 00:38 - Aug 21 That's a right shame. This lad had potential, never the less all the best to him hope he can succeed in whatever future he has planned.
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goldenblueboy added 08:57 - Aug 21 Good Luck Shane
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Bluebell added 09:06 - Aug 21 I will be sorry to see him go. I have always felt sorry for the lad as it must be depressing to be 2nd in a team. Surprised he didn't try going to another team where he could have been number 1. Hope he is successful in whatever he chooses to do. Good luck Shane.
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OakingtonBlue added 11:39 - Aug 21 Good luck Shane, brave move, focus on number one son. Big loss for the blues
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barnesey added 08:47 - Aug 22 It's a symtom of a disease spreading through ITFC It started with Jim Magilton who destroyed the players love for the club and football anf we all hoped Keane would turn things round. He's just made things worse. Nobody in the club apart from the remnants clinging on to the scraps of what's left of the Academy is motivated by anything apart from their own greed. Even Sir Bobby was in the process of resigning as President when he passed away. He knew Keane for what he is. A nasty greedy money grabbing thug who has no love of Ipswich or it's fans. Just the £2million Evans has promised him if he wins promotion. To do that he needs not just players but an entire club and fan base who are behind him. He's so arrogant he thinks he can do it on his own.

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