Jimmy Bullard may be a fan favourite but his ability to dominate a game must be behind him. The likelihood of Bullard returning to ranks in the Premier League seems imminent as newcomers Norwich City seem open to attract the Barbie lookalike.
Understandably, Paul Lambert will require that all-to-important top-flight experience but realistically, can Bullard really do it in top flight anymore?
He was one Hull City’s better players – when fit – but his recent form indicates that his game may now be more suited to out smarting lesser opponents in the Championship than becoming a pivotal presence against some of the better teams.
For instance, he has scored some valuable goals for Paul Jewell’s Ipswich Town – another stumbling point if he moves to Norfolk – but his performances were solid without being spectacular, something needed after the expectations they had for the season.
The Ipswich fans rightly love him, winning supporters Player of the Year award despite only joining in January and bombarding the club about his signing him permanently.
It is the longest he has played in a while and perhaps Lambert sees that as a stepping-stone for someone of his personality; however, he is fragile and bringing someone in of Bullard’s calibre could ultimately be a distraction unless it is on a pay-as-you-play deal, something he would be very reluctant to do.
Previously for teams like Wigan Athletic and Fulham, he was able to control the strings in the middle and his infectious charisma on the pitch benefitted others who upped their game to meet his. His comical cameo squad appearance for England hardly heightened his ability but it was obvious to see that he was out of his depth.
Chris Coleman hailed Bullard as ‘the best £2 million pound I’ve ever spent’ and his infectious qualities sent Fulham a relegation lifeline when he returned from serious injury in 2008 as he spearheaded their survival. However, one doubts that he is held in the same high opinion at Hull after he moved for ‘job security’.
It is certainly a calculated risk but Lambert should look elsewhere as Blackpool almost proved, Premier League experience helps but it is not vital to staying in the top league. If a Premier League club chooses to invest in Bullard, they must know it could become a huge disaster.
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