Town manager Joe Royle has sensationally handed keeper Andy Marshall a free transfer. Royle has already said he intends to bring in a new custodian during the summer but Marshall being allowed to leave is still a surprise.

The former Norwich man has failed to find a consistent level of form since joining Town from the Canaries on a Bosman in the summer of 2001.

The keeper had a tricky start to his Town career picking up an injury before he had even made an appearance, prompting George Burley to bring in Matteo Sereni.

Sereni held his place in the side until asking for a rest when the Blues faced Dagenham and Redbridge in the FA Cup. Marshall, despite a number of errors, remained in the side for a spell although Sereni returned a few weeks later. Marshall regained his place after Sereni was injured towards the end of the season.

The 28-year-old had a difficult time of it this season with fans getting on his back in for both his Canary past and his poor performances.

When Joe Royle took over as manager he quickly brought in Paul Gerrard on loan and then promoted James Pullen for a game, the latter failing to impress in a game against Grimsby. Recently he revealed he would bring in new man in the summer, although who that might be is not known.

Ironically, Marshall's greatest moment in the Town goal came at Carrow Road in the 2-0 derby win in March.

A Bosman signing, Marshall is one of the club's higher earners, thought to be on around £15,000-a-week. It may not be easy to find a taker for him with few clubs, if any, wanting to match his pay.

The keeper has another year left on his Town contract and if no club wants to take him he will remain at Portman Road.

Recently a tabloid newspaper claimed that Portsmouth were showing an interest in him.

Photo: Action Images

SpruceMoose added 19:48 - May 15 Balls.
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