Former loanee Jimmy Bullard has rejoined the Blues, signing a two-year contract. The 32-year-old, last season's Player of the Year, underwent a medical at Portman Road last night and completed the formalities this morning.

Manager Paul Jewell said: "Jimmy Bullard’s signed and he’s an Ipswich player for the next two years. I’m absolutely delighted. It’s been an ongoing thing since Jimmy was here last year.

“We tried to broker a deal for him to come back but Hull, as was their prerogative, he was their player, weren’t prepared to let him out on for a [loan] fee we could really afford.

“Something’s gone on there, I don’t know what’s gone on. He’s obviously become a free agent and as soon as we heard that, we moved very quickly and spoke to his agent and the player, and we did a deal yesterday afternoon.

“I think it shows how much Jimmy enjoyed it here. He rang Monday and said there were a couple of clubs interested, one Premier, one or two Championship, but his preferences was to come here.

“It was down to finances to a certain extent but the most important thing was that we knew that he wanted to come and Jimmy knew that we wanted him."

The Town manager says the club haven't broken the bank to do the deal and confirmed that, as reported by TWTD yesterday, Portsmouth and QPR were the other main contenders: “No one comes cheap in this game these days. I think the owner deserves credit but so does Jimmy because everyone knows Jimmy was on a huge salary at Hull.

“I don’t know what’s gone on there and it’s not for me to speak about what’s gone on there. Money wasn’t the biggest issue. It was just ‘do you want me to come?’, and I asked him whether he wanted to come here.

“We didn’t want to get into a situation where we were bargaining against other clubs. I know that there was interest from QPR and definitely Portsmouth, but Jimmy wanted to come here, which is great.

“Both parties were happy to do it and hopefully he can have the same effect on this season as he did last.”

"We’re still waiting on the paperwork to go through for Daryl Murphy, who’s coming in on loan from Celtic, and with Ibrahima Sonko, we’re just waiting for his Twitter page to come up to confirm that!"

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich24 added 14:39 - Aug 25 What fantastic news this is best in years! Jimmy is much more than a terrific footballer. He is someone who's personality is infectious and he will singlehandly put some fun and passion into our team. Oh Jimmy Bullard you are the love of my life and you may have a go on my mrs! Anyone any idead on squad number?
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big_gaz67 added 14:44 - Aug 25 Isn't squad number 1 still available?
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TractorTrog added 15:29 - Aug 25 Thats the one guy who can lift a team on the field in the dressing room...watch how the palyers attiudes liven up an become more positve...this is great great news for us weve done our penance now its time for some Glory at Portman Road Playoffs are ours!!! COYB
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1979blue added 15:38 - Aug 25 Line up for Sat Stockdale Edwards, Sonko, Delaney, Cresswell JET, Bullard, Kennedy, Andrews, Murphy Chopra Lets sell/Let go Leadbitter, Priskin, Healy, Peters, O'Conner.
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BigShow32 added 15:38 - Aug 25 It would make my day, errrrr actually my season if he took the number 1 shirt! I'd be happy to pay over the odds for a blue t-shirt in planet blue just to get myself a replica too!
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Tillz9 added 15:39 - Aug 25 He is squad number 21 - I was hoping he was going to be number 1. That would have been brilliant
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NathItfc added 15:58 - Aug 25 Jimmy, jimmy bullard, oh Jimmy jimmy bullard! COYB!
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paddypowell added 16:04 - Aug 25 sat team,stockdale ,peters,delaney,sonko,kennedy.midf,jay,andrews,jimmy,cresswell,up front,murphy,chopra.
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paddypowell added 16:05 - Aug 25 i put peters in to cut out the speed of gradel
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mental1 added 16:14 - Aug 25 EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!! welcome back Jimmy, we all love ya! PJ- give him the armband and drop leadbitter for christs sake! Onwards and upwards........ITID!
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NSL added 16:18 - Aug 25 Welcome Jimmy, No doubt the youth academy will be completely wound up now to pay for you, Ivar, Bower and Sonck's wages but as long as we invest in a decent physio our future is secure.
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foot_kick_ball_goal added 16:33 - Aug 25 Well, thats just brilliant news. My leeds supporting boss is looking a little worried today. Now just to finish sorting up the back line and the season could be our for the taking.
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Crock added 16:47 - Aug 25 This might be good. I hope it he is not on too high wages or get injured though.
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muhrensweet4thijssen added 17:40 - Aug 25 I cant believe that after the Pet?"£$%&* SSSHHHH! game i am actually looking forward to Leeds! Jimmy brings a whole new dimension to our midfield! Bullard, Andrews and Bowyer are a central mid to grace any championship team! Do think this will prob mean end for Leadbitter shame as i think could be great player. Unfortunately very similatr to what we have at mo. COYB COME ON JIMMY!!!!!

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cressi added 21:26 - Aug 25 What happens is Bullards signs and good players at this level will follow
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CharlieBoy added 11:24 - Aug 26 didn't see that coming! come on jimmy
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Dog added 13:11 - Aug 26 Arablue - I am not saying he should not have a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance. All i was saying, is that is completely wrong of Jewell to say "something's gone on there, i don't know what". Personally, i would have asked. Fair enough they cannot talk about it to the press due to impending court case, but to be spending at least one million a year on wages and not ask the question is a little irresponsible to me. I too am looking for an immediate bounce back and a half decent performance to say sorry to the fans. I am hopeful. Getting Sonko is a step in the right direction to shore up the defence. Now lets get rid of Delaney, get two more centrebacks and a right back and ship out the deadwood - Scotland, Leadbitter, Martin, Smith, Lee Barratt, Healy and regrettably Priskin. I like Priskin but like Peters (who i also like) he won't get a start. Get some cash in and ease the wagebill.

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