Stoke City: Danny Higginbotham poised for long-term move to Ipswich Town
TONY Pulis is ready to reluctantly part company with Danny Higginbotham as a favour to one of his most trusted lieutenants.
The 33-year-old defender says he would consider staying on at Ipswich when his loan spell ends in a fortnight before sealing a long-term move to when the transfer window re-opens.
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EXIT: The lure of regular football could see Danny Higginbotham join Ipswich Town permanently when his loan deal ends.
And Pulis has revealed he will not stand in the way of Higginbotham's desire to play regularly at this stage of his career.
"He's a great lad, a great ambassador for this club and one of the bedrocks it has been built on," said Pulis.
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"But I understand his wish to be playing, especially at this stage of his career, so if I can help him I certainly will."
Higginbotham is set to leave Stoke after making 128 appearances in two spells since first signing in 2006.
"We should never forget the contribution made by Danny, both on and off the field, and I certainly won't," Pulis added.
Stoke's other two senior pros excluded from their current 25-man Premier League squad – Mama Sidibe and Diego Arismendi – could also be lined up for moves.
Pulis explained: "Both have had little injury concerns lately, but hopefully they will be up and running soon, so there may be something there in the next week or two."
But Pulis is holding on to Ryan Shotton, at least for now, and will only consider loaning him out later in the autumn.
"I'm not really keen to let anyone go from the 25 at the moment," he stated.
"We've got a tough run of games coming up, so we will see what's what after that."
Pulis granted his players a rare two-day break this week ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool.
"We worked them really hard on Monday," he said, "and it would have been a long week leading up to the Liverpool game on Sunday if they hadn't had this bit of a break."
Comments
by boothernender
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 8:49PM
“Shame he got the injury when he was paying really well for Stoke. Top bloke.”
by pensioner46
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 4:50PM
“Thanks for your time at Stoke I wish you well with your future albeit at another club”
by jtflint2010
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 3:35PM
“Also remember his penalty against Spurs in our first Prem season. He might not be like Baines with his set-pieces, scoring nearly every time, but I sure didn't mind him hovering over the ball when the time came for a free kick or penalty! Good luck at Ipswich Higgy!”
by PeterPotter
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 1:08PM
“I suppose all good things must come to an end and Higgy was very good for Stoke City. He deserves some playing time so good luck to him at Ipswich.”
by potterforlife
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 11:05AM
“Totally concur Mr Dap - could not agree more and was going to say exactly the same about the free kicks!”
by MrDAP
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 9:44AM
“Immense in his first spell, and his second spell will always be remembered for those two free-kicks in successive games against Newcastle and the Cup game against West Ham.
Good luck Danny, and thanks for everything.”