The former West Ham, Wigan and Fulham player has retired after a persistent knee problem. What are his best bits and could a career in punditry follow?
This summer has already seen two premature retirements of high profile. While Fabrice Muamba’s retirement is tempered by a gratitude for his life, Ledley King’s involuntary end prompted floods of support and testimonies of ‘what might have been if’s’.
Now another player has been forced into retirement and will be missed for a whole abundance of different reasons.
Jimmy Bullard became well known as the curly cropped clown who brought a breath fresh of air with him when he arrived into the Premier League with Wigan Athletic, helping to dissipate the aura of pomposity that had begun to gather momentum.
But after a long battle with a recurring knee problem the former West Ham, Gravesend & Northfleet, Peterborough, Wigan, Fulham, Hull and Ipswich man has retired, just a few weeks into a deal with MK Dons.
So here is a collection of his best moments including the frog-leap over the bundle, that look at Duncan Ferguson and Jimmy’s own special way of the Sky Sports camera walk…
But while he was making us all laugh he also knew how to play a bit, as Fulham fans will know as he played a huge part in lifting them from relegation trouble in 2008 which lead to an England call-up.
A much loved figure in the English game, even if he wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea, and here are some Tweets to confirm that…
Phil Thompson @Phil_Thompson4 Thanks for all the memories Jimmy Bullard and there were loads of them. Enjoy your retirement
But a lot of people focused on the potential to get Jimmy into punditry and join Phil Thompson in the Soccer Saturday studio…
Antony Darnbrook @AntonyDarnbrook Jimmy Bullard retiring is devastating news, but, this may be a good thing. He would make a smashing pundit.
bradley @bradleygrant93 Sad to see him retire, but I say get Jimmy Bullard as a sky sports newspundit on soccer saturday!
Jay O Connor ⚒ @Jayoconnor8 Sad to see Jimmy Bullard retire. The funniest man in football by a mile. Love to see him become a pundit or something!
Amy Downes @tractorgirlamy8 Jimmy Bullard to replace Chiles and Keane on ITV football coverage…. what do you reckon!? 🙂
What was your favourite Bullard moment? And would you want him to become a pundit?
image: © joncandy
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