Post by Macmoish on Aug 1, 2011 7:51:09 GMT
Hull Daily Mail - HULL CITY: Bullard told not to return
Monday, August 01, 2011
JIMMY Bullard was not expected back at Hull City training today – despite the conclusion of his formal two-week suspension.
The errant midfielder was ordered to stay away from the first-team squad for a fortnight after a breach of discipline during the club's training camp in Slovenia.
That suspension came to an end today but it is understood Bullard will be told to remain at home this week as City prepare for Friday night's season opener at home to Blackpool.
An internal investigation into Bullard's conduct has taken place in the last two weeks but that has not yet been concluded.
Determined not to see the matter become a distraction, manager Nigel Pearson was keeping tight-lipped following Saturday's 2-0 friendly win over Chesterfield.
But the City boss admitted he expected the Tigers to make a further comment in the coming days.
Pearson said: "The club will make a statement when it's appropriate on how that will move forward but apart from that I've got nothing more to say. I would expect that this week."
City are thought to be considering all eventualities as they ponder their next move in the Bullard saga.
Legal teams have advised the club to only make minimal comment on Bullard's suspension but it is likely the Tigers have explored the possibility of severing the final two years of his £45,000-a-week contract.
That could prove difficult and a financial package could instead be struck to suit all parties.
Bullard, a previous target for QPR, has grown increasingly unhappy in East Yorkshire and could be persuaded into taking a pay-off to resurrect his faltering career elsewhere.
Any future with City is surely dead in the water as Pearson plans for the new season without a thought for the club's highest paid player.
www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/HULL-CITY-Bullard-told-return/story-13048380-detail/story.html
