Leadbitter to leave Town

Midfielder Grant Leadbitter will leave Ipswich Town this summer after turning down the offer of a new contract.

The 26 year old joined Ipswich under Roy Keane in August 2009, making 126 appearances and scoring 14 goals.

He's not expected to feature in Town's final Championship game at Doncaster on Saturday (April 28). In his pre-match press conference Ipswich manager Paul Jewell said his team selection would rest on Leadbitter's decision, saying ''If he plays on Saturday he'll be with us, but if he doesn't that will mean he's moving on'.

Now Jewell says he's disappointed but not surprised. He told Ipswich Town's official website 'I have spoken to Grant at length. The owner as well. It's a big decision for him though. I understand that.

'We wanted him to stay but it's not to be and we wish him well'.

Leadbitter, who's been linked with a move back to his native North East, said 'It was a tough decision but I feel ready for a new challenge'.