Former Town defender Mark Venus has been made available on a free transfer by Cambridge United in the wake of what manager John Taylor describes as "a frank exchange of views".

Taylor, an Ipswich supporter, says that the discussions after the recent Huddersfield game were generally helpful: "The majority of what came out of the meeting was constructive and positive and changed the way we do one or two things.

"This has already shown a positive effect on training sessions last week and carried on with the increased level of team spirit within the squad demonstrated by the effort and manner in which Saturday's result was fought out.

"Unfortunately, however, Mark Venus came to see me last Tuesday and informed me that he felt, in the interests of all parties, he should not make himself available for selection.

"During the course of the last seven days I have had several meetings with Mark in an effort to resolve the situation and move forward.

"Yesterday, the vice-chairman of the football club, Roger Hunt, also met with him and after further discussions, followed by another meeting with me, it was agreed that we should make Mark available to further his career elsewhere."

Taylor added: "Mark has stated that Dale [Brooks, ex-Town youth coach] and I felt his presence at the club was a threat to our positions, which is certainly not the case.

"It was on my recommendation that we brought Mark in to the club, for the experience I thought he would bring to the youngsters in the squad as well as his obvious wealth of playing experience.

"Neither Dale nor I have any problem with a senior player wanting to progress their career in to coaching or management as I have done and would willingly support any such ambition.

"Where I do have a problem as manager of this football club, and what I find totally unacceptable, is a senior professional displaying a negative attitude and showing a total lack of respect for other players."

Venus joined Cambridge from Town on a free in the summer. He made 23 appearances without scoring any goals.

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