So much potential, so little fulfilled. I believe this is a short but accurate reflection on the career of Jimmy Bullard who has recently announced his retirement from the professional game, aged 33.
Seen as a joker, a comedian, and a bright spark all over England for his antics on and off the field, it is no doubt that the game does need more players of Bullard’s character, yet the reality is he could have been so much more.
Bullard was a late bloomer in football, not turning professional until aged 20. After impressing at non-league Gravesend & Northfleet, Bullard got a chance at West Ham but failed to make the breakthrough and instead moved to Peterborough United where everyone got to know the name Jimmy Bullard…
Bullard shined under the bubbly figure of Posh boss Barry Fry and soon found himself a move up north to Wigan Athletic, where it can be argued, he played his best football.
An integral member of the team, Bullard drew recognition with his impressive performances as he helped the Latics move up the football leagues and eventually into the Premier League.
Bullard has always been a cheeky character but under the limelight of the Premier League and all the global fascination that it brings with it, Bullard thrived even further under the spotlight. Soccer Am paid this special attention and soon football fans everywhere soon fell in love with everything about Bullard including his curly barnet.
It was obvious that he could play a bit too, and there were rumours that he was in line for an England call-up if he carried on his good form. In the summer of 2006, a £2.5 million move to Fulham followed and many must have thought the West-London club were to be another stepping stone in Bullard’s flourishing career. Well, it certainly was a stone.
He hit the ground running at Craven Cottage, earning rave reviews from plaudits everywhere, with then Fulham boss Chris Coleman describing him as “the best £2million we’ve ever spent”.
Then, on the 9th of September, Bullard dislocated his kneecap, leaving him on the sidelines for around six to eight weeks. Or so he thought.
Some 16 months later, Bullard returned to action. It was cruciate knee ligament damage, something that proved to be Bullard’s Achilles heel for the rest of his career.
When Bullard eventually returned to fitness, he made an immediate impact and was an important figure, alongside Brian McBride, in Fulham’s survival that season.
16 months is a long time in football though, people change, things change. Was he the same Jimmy Bullard that we had all go to know and love? Had the time out and the severity of his injury affected not only his confidence but his thought process?
The summer of 2008 was one full of drama but uncertainty for Bullard. Fulham had survived relegation by the skin of their teeth; Bullard had England ambitions, would he be able to achieve these here? Rumours began circulating that he was ready to quit Craven Cottage and a lot of these were speculating that he wanted more money.
Then, in January 2009, Bullard shocked the footballing world after completing a £5million move, with a four and a half year contract, to Hull City. Bullard claimed that he felt unwanted after negotiations broke down over a new deal.
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