This article was written by William Taylor.Jimmy Bullard has signed for Ipswich on a two-year deal, having had his Hull City contract terminated. Town boss Paul Jewell had been keen to bring Bullard – who could wear his new Mizuno Wave Ignitus boots back to Portman Road following a successful loan spell last season.
However, Ipswich appeared unable to afford the transfer fee Hull had been looking for, or Bullard's wages. But when it was announced that the Tigers would be terminating Bullard's contract at the KC Stadium, the Blues were quick to pounce. It is believed that the former Wigan man turned town moves to several Premier League clubs in order to be re-united with Jewell, the manager he has enjoyed most of his success with.
Jewell was understandably delighted to finally complete the deal that at one point did not look like happening. He told the club's official site:
“We had been chipping away at Jimmy and Hull all summer to try and sort something out but Hull were adamant that we wouldn't be going out on loan again unless someone paid his wages. He had a few clubs to talk to but Jimmy made it clear that if we could sort out a deal then coming here would be his preference. It's a great feeling to know that even though he had the opportunity to go to a Premier League team he still wanted the opportunity to come here. Hopefully he can do what he did for us last year and beyond.”
“We had been chipping away at Jimmy and Hull all summer to try and sort something out but Hull were adamant that we wouldn't be going out on loan again unless someone paid his wages. He had a few clubs to talk to but Jimmy made it clear that if we could sort out a deal then coming here would be his preference. It's a great feeling to know that even though he had the opportunity to go to a Premier League team he still wanted the opportunity to come here. Hopefully he can do what he did for us last year and beyond.”Bullard becomes Ipswich's tenth signing of the summer, and could soon be followed by Ibrahima Sonko, who has reportedly agreed a one-year deal with the club. Daryl Murphy rejoined the club on loan from Celtic on Wednesday, with Jewell likely to include all three players against Leeds United on Saturday.
Reports suggest that Ipswich could also be close to completing a deal to bring Stoke City defender, Danny Collins to Portman Road. Whether that deal can be completed before the weekend is not yet known, but Jewell has repeatedly made his intentions to strengthen his sides leaky defence known.
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