Ipswich Town have agreed to cancel the contract of goalkeeper Shane Supple at the request of the player, allowing him to pursue a career outside professional football.
The Republic of Ireland U21 international progressed through the Club’s Youth system and helped the Blues to FA Youth Cup Final success in 2005 when the Tractor Boys triumphed against a Southampton side that included Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale.
He went on to make 38 first team appearances for the Club, with his last game being the Carling Cup win at Shrewsbury in which he saved a penalty in Town’s shoot-out win.
Speaking about his decision to quit the game Supple told the Club’s official website;
“It’s obviously a big decision but I feel that playing professional football is not something I want to continue doing as a career. There is no one reason why I have made my decision, there are a number of factors but deep down my heart is not in the game anymore and I’m not going to go into work every day trying to convince myself that it is so it’s the right time for me to walk away.”
“I suppose you could say that I have fallen out of love with the game and when that happens I’ve always said to myself that I wouldn’t hang around. All I wanted to do when I was younger was play in the Premier League but as you grow up you realise that there are other things in life and to be honest, the game is not what I thought it was.”
“I want to thank the manager for the support he has given me. He was a bit shocked when I told him and I expected that but he understood my reasons. He’s been first class. People probably think I’m crazy but I’m not going to stay in the game for anyone else, I’m making this decision for myself.”
“I’ve worked with some great people in my time at Ipswich Town and had some great times at the Club. It’s a fantastic Football Club and I’ll continue to follow Ipswich’s fortunes. The supporters have been brilliant as well and always backed me and I want to thank them for that wonderful support.”
Ipswich Chief Executive Simon Clegg praised Supple for his commitment to the Club, both on and off the pitch, over the past six years.
“It’s obviously disappointing news for us but we respect Shane’s reasons for wanting a career chance and we wish him every success for the future,” stated Clegg.
