Ipswich Town have taken a major step towards easing their financial crisis by parting company with Finidi George.

The club have agreed to pay an undisclosed amount of compensation in return for cancelling the remaining two years of his contract.

Having played at two World Cups, 32-year-old George was hailed a star-signing when he arrived at Portman Road in the summer of 2001.

But his time with the club has been blighted by injury and a lack of form.

And, after making just 46 appearances in his two seasons - including 16 as a substitute - he ended up costing the Blues more than £100,000 per appearance.

That is the staggering figure you get by dividing the number of run-outs with his £3 million fee, an estimated £1 million pay-off and £20,000 weekly salary received in both seasons since arriving from Real Mallorca.

Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks said: "It might be an understatement to say his career with Ipswich has been as disappointing for the club as it has, no doubt, for him."

Published Thursday, June 12, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette