Stunned James Pullen has revealed his shock and upset at being handed a free transfer by Ipswich Town.

The keeper - signed by the Blues from Heybridge Swifts - has been told he can leave after failing to impress boss Joe Royle.

And he told the Evening Gazette: "I didn't have the slightest idea when I was called in to see the manager.

"I actually thought he was going to tell me I was playing in the game at Derby on Sunday.

"Instead he told me I was being made available on a free transfer and I felt completely numb. I had a tear in my eye when I left his office."

Although he still has a year left on his contract, Pullen is determined to find a new club over the summer so he can 'start afresh' next season.

The 21-year-old, who only made two starts for Ipswich, admitted feeling slightly aggrieved by his treatment at Portman Road.

"I don't feel I was given much of a chance to prove myself," he said.

Royle has warned one or two other players could be allowed to leave this summer as part of the ongoing cost-cutting at Portman Road.

Alun Armstrong and Nabil Abidallah have already been granted free transfers, while other favourites to leave include Mark Venus and Finidi George.

Published Thursday, May 1, 2003

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