New signing Jimmy Bullard says it was an easy decision to rejoin the Blues once he knew Town wanted him on a permanent basis in the wake of the termination of his Hull contract. Free agent Bullard, who was on loan at Portman Road last season, has signed a two-year deal.

Bullard says he is delighted to return to Town, for whom he scored five goals in 16 appearances during the second half of the last campaign: “I enjoyed myself so much here last year and as soon as I knew Ipswich were interested, it was a fairly easy decision for me.

“I enjoyed my football here, I know the staff, I know Paul really well and Marcus Evans has put his faith in me.

"I got on so well with the fans here, I just enjoyed my time. All that made it an easy decision for me. It’s very nice to be amongst friends and playing football."

The 32-year-old was pleased to be reunited with team-mates from Town and elsewhere: “There are a few new faces from last season, but a lot of old friends as well like David Stockdale [who he played with at Fulham] and Ibrahima Sonko [team-mate at Hull].

“Even Andy Liddell is the fitness coach. I used to play with him at Wigan, so it’s a bit strange having him on the coaching staff! But it’s been good.”

Bullard admits that he was interested in a possible return to the Premier League but says that no such move was ultimately on the table: “I’ve always said I’d like to play at the highest level but it didn’t quite happen.

“There were talks held with QPR a couple of times but didn’t really materialise for either side really, so I had to look elsewhere.”

The midfielder says he’s been told not to talk about his Tigers exit, which was due to an alleged disciplinary transgression on the club’s pre-season trip to Slovenia: “There’s not too much I can say on that. My lawyers are dealing with it at the minute, so I’ve been told to say that. It’s in my lawyers’ hands.

“I enjoyed my time at Hull, I’ve always said that. I wish all the boys the best, that’s all I’ve got to say on the matter.”

The ongoing situation with his former club — he says he doesn’t know the timescale for its resolution — meant he had to abandon his usual policy of representing himself in transfer dealings and appoint an agent, Simon Dent: “I felt like I had to get an agent, and get some lawyers and solicitors involved in the whole situation. I needed to have an agent really.”

The one-time England call-up is on a significantly lower wage than his £45,000-a-week contract at Hull but says football is more important to him than money: “I’ve taken a pay cut but I’m just happy I’ll be playing football now, which I always wanted to do. Here I am at Ipswich and over the moon!"

A former Peterborough player, Bullard is confident that the Blues can turn things around after last week's 7-1 reverse to his old club: “Like the gaffer says, it’s really early in the season. Obviously you don’t want to lose like that, but it happens in football and I’m sure we’ll kick on now.”

Photo: Action Images

ITFCcharmer added 17:10 - Aug 25 Some much needed creativity in the middle of the park - brilliant news! And what a character to have in the dressing room! I'd love to know what the incident was at Hull!?!? Someone on here must know - Phil?!?
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Lightningboy added 17:16 - Aug 25 Good luck Jimmy..all we ask is that you give it your best every single game like you did last time around.
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fourth added 17:19 - Aug 25 Really good. It's going to be important to keep our more Senior players fit and on the pitch
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jas0999 added 17:23 - Aug 25 Really pleased he signed, but clearly if an offer was on the table from a PL club he would have gone there!
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petersongoal added 17:27 - Aug 25 what a week it has been! from miserable to over the moon! you have to love being a town fan!
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Mark added 17:36 - Aug 25 Welcome back Jimmy. Well done to Marcus, Simon and Paul for making it happen.
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itfchorry added 17:42 - Aug 25 Now put the icing on the cake and sack Clegg !
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CharlieITFC added 17:43 - Aug 25 Team for Saturday.... GK Stockdale RB Edwards(preferably new player) CB Sonko CB Delaney :( LB Cresswell DM Andrews CM Bullard (C) CM Bowyer AM JET ST Chops ST Murphy Any thoughts?
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raycrawford added 17:46 - Aug 25 Andrews Captain surely!
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ITFC4daprem added 17:47 - Aug 25 12 grand region I reckon number 1 COYB
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Frase1987 added 17:51 - Aug 25 COME ON GET A DEFENCE AND WE'RE GOING UP!!
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Armine6 added 17:54 - Aug 25 I never did believe it would happen...hey there you go, funny old game, a good signing that will hopefully bring some cheer inside the dressing room and goals on the pitch. I feel that this has slightly over shadowed the arrival of Daryl Murphy whom I believe will make a great difference with a more physical presence. Still a tough match on Saturday but the season has a smile again and it's a cheeky curly cockney.

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bluelady added 17:56 - Aug 25 Many moaned when he was fans player of year but the alternative choices have shown far less dedication to itfc, stay injury free, lift the dressing room and score some corkers jimmy, we all love u!!!
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Bluearmy added 17:57 - Aug 25 jas you really do love being negative even if there is nothing to be negative about
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itfchorry added 17:58 - Aug 25 Yes- Great team ITFC Charlie Clegg Out
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Infineteregress added 17:58 - Aug 25 Anyone know when the long-sleeve version home shirts come out? I now know which name is going on the back of mine ;-)
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mattyc added 18:14 - Aug 25 the season starts here coyb
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wrightyblue added 18:17 - Aug 25 We're going up we're going up, The king has returned! Welcome Jimmy
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mattyc added 18:18 - Aug 25 jimmy bullard is a blue is a blue he hates norwich coyb
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h32 added 18:20 - Aug 25 I am a much happier person now than of late - at least the Club is at last showing some commitment to the supporters, although of course, there was no other option - it had to be done. Whatever anyone, including myself, says about Bullard - when he is on the pitch he has the presence to make a difference, and he will. Coupled with the other new signings, although not exactly ecstatic about these, I feel we should soon have a squad, managed correctly, that will do the business. Time for a glass of the 'red stuff' - Bluelady ? - I think so.

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KenDubZ added 18:22 - Aug 25 Who don't like jimmy honestly ... Starting line up Saturday I hope :D
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come_on_blues added 18:29 - Aug 25 Welcome Jimmy we love ya
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bluelady added 18:31 - Aug 25 H32 mines a pinot blush!!!
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brogansnose added 18:32 - Aug 25 We have got a real footballer back someomeone we haven't had since the likes of Legwinski and Dos Santos. Thats why he is a hero. We desperately needed someone to do the creative thing and at this level there is no one better. Can't wait to see his impish little smile as he ambles over to take a corner and flicks his hair from his eyes. Supporting ITFC is such a rollercoaster ride. Love it Now please God look over his knee's and wrap him up in cotton wool.

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robdaful added 18:40 - Aug 25 Wow. Didn't expect to see Bullard signing for us. Great signing.
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