Town have agreed to cancel keeper Shane Supple’s contract at the player’s request as he looks to pursue a career away from football. The 22-year-old says his heart is no longer in the game and he will be returning to Ireland to consider his future.

The Republic of Ireland U21 cap told the club site: "It's something that I have been thinking about for a long while.

"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 any more 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 then 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.

"This is the right decision for me now. I'm going back to Ireland to spend time with my family and look at my options but they won't be in football."

Chief executive Simon Clegg thanked Supple for his contribution while with Town: "On behalf of the club I would like to put on record our thanks to Shane for his commitment to Ipswich Town both on and off the pitch in his six years at Portman Road.

"It's obviously disappointing news for us but we respect Shane's reasons for wanting a career change and we wish him every success for the future."

Supple joined the academy at 15, spending the final year of his schooling at Playford Road and was a member of the 2005 FA Youth Cup-winning side, picking up the man of the match award in the second leg of the final against Southampton.

A keen hurler and Gaelic footballer, Supple, who signed a new one-year contract this summer, made 36 starts and two sub appearances for the Blues, in addition to loan spells at Falkirk and Oldham. The Carling Cup tie at Shrewsbury a week ago was his final game.

Town are already close to adding another keeper to their squad with TWTD revealing that Bohemian stopper Brian Murphy would be on his way to Portman Road when the Irish season ends in November.

The announcement of Supple’s shock exit may suggest that Murphy’s recruitment has been moved forward or that another keeper could be coming in on loan between now and January when Murphy would be able to play if he signs in November as had been planned.

The Blues only other keeper at present is youngster Ian McLoughlin, who could make his senior debut at Peterborough next week if no other keeper is signed by then.

Photo: Action Images

Back_The_Boss added 15:31 - Aug 20 Shane slipped through the net, don't give up football, you are talented!
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patrickswell added 15:50 - Aug 20 As with any job, if you're heart isn't in it, you can't blamed for wanting a change. I wish him well and thank him for his contribution towards winning the FA Youth Cup and performances during 05-06/06-07.
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Ipswich24 added 16:15 - Aug 20 Sorry to see him leave never got a chance did he Keane if your reading this go get jermaine Beckford and dos santos now we need some flair and pace and goals these two will tear up the championship our team is dull uninventive and boring so go get them
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tommyblue added 16:33 - Aug 20 what a shame!!
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elburro3 added 16:54 - Aug 20 He will regret this. Getting up at the crack of dawn for minimum wage is hard to find motivation for... Good luck though fella.
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fatuncle added 16:55 - Aug 20 Sorry to see him waste a talent that many of us would cut off an arm for his only mistake was not trying to find a club in the summer that would have really valued his undoubtable qualities.Big loss to us had great potential hope to see him playing again somewhere.
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Marshalls_Mullet added 17:13 - Aug 20 Why do people assume his only other option is minimum wage? He may go and compete at Hurling or Gaelic Football as he is said to be keen on these. Not the same kind of money Id imagine, but he would enjoy it. I doubt he would quit the game if his only other option was working on the production line at £5 per hour.
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dubblue added 17:31 - Aug 20 Marshall I am sure his skills would be useful to the Dublin gaelic football or hurling team however gaelic games are amateur so the only payment players get are travel expenses unlikely to apply to a Dublin based player.
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BrightBlue added 17:46 - Aug 20 Take some time out Shane, re-evaluate your undoubted talent and we'll see you again soon.
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BlueBoyBurman added 17:49 - Aug 20 if he played more, would he have quit? i think not!
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lilian3415 added 17:53 - Aug 20 Good player - treated like s**t. Owen Garvan is being treated the same. Wouldn't surprise me if he moved on too.
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CornishBlue added 18:09 - Aug 20 Am i right in saying that when he signed his contract recently he made some comment about how bad Magilton had treated him ?
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TheBlueStig added 18:55 - Aug 20 Good luck in the future Shane!
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jas0999 added 18:59 - Aug 20 Probably the reason why RK was looking to sign a keeper! Best of luck in the future Shane. He was never really given a chance, but if his heart isn't in it, then he's made the right decision to move on.
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Wozza added 19:13 - Aug 20 Shocked when I read this today, such a promising talent amd I really thought he might give righty a run for his money this eason under Keano. Well, th lad knows himself better than any of us so good luck and all the best Shane. Thanks for the commitment and I guess sorry for the lack of it shown in return (i.e JM).
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AlexITFC added 19:15 - Aug 20 Sad to see him go, but would rather him leave now than continue playing when his heart not in the team. Wish all the luck to Shane in the future.
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suffolk_punch added 19:16 - Aug 20 Such a shame , Hope he finds what he is looking for and also hope it is a decision that was not effected by the way the club treated him
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EatonBlue added 19:19 - Aug 20 I am totally disillusioned with my chosen career (insurance) and so I can understand his decision. But at 22 he is young enough to seek new challenges and maybe even come back to football in a few years time if he changes his mind. Unfortunately his decision is further evidence of the fact that much of the fun has gone out of the professional game.
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JohnWarksTash added 19:58 - Aug 20 Good Luck Supps. What a brave decision for a young man to make. Personally I wish I had the guts to do the same thing when I was younger. You were treated like crap by the previous management and I hope you find happiness in whatever area you end up in. PS. If you fancy a quick go in the sticks I have a 7 a side team needing a keeper!!! LOL
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CustardCream added 20:19 - Aug 20 I'm sorry but if I was as good a keeper as he is then I wouldn't throw it away.
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runaround added 20:41 - Aug 20 good luck Shane for the future. Its a very brave decision and i hope it turns out to be a good one for you
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devontractorboy added 21:34 - Aug 20 Good Luck Shane my boy, must have a been a tough one. Good Luck in your chosen career, hope RK said the door was open if you decided to come back. In my opion you're a damn fine young Keeper, my respect though for your reasons. We'll miss you.
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Joolz62 added 22:10 - Aug 20 What a shock! He was a great goalkeeper. Good luck for the future Shane and thanks for everything,
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Franzgumm added 22:21 - Aug 20 Shocked to hear this. A real prospect for the future, I thought. He still is. Hopefully he'll find what he is looking for.
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truethurstonblue added 22:28 - Aug 20 Good luck Shane...when you played for us you rarely if ever let the side down.
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