Bull Lays Down His Gloves

Wycombe Wanderers goalkeeper Nikki Bull has expressed his desire to no longer play for the club.

Following recent rumours, both before and after the return of goalkeeper Jordan Archer on loan from Spurs, the clubs' official Twitter account broke the news in the build-up to the Blues' F.A. Cup first round tie with League One Crewe Alexandra this afternoon.

The short statement read: 'Nikki Bull is not included after expressing a desire to not play for the club anymore.'

Since joining the club on a one-year deal from Brentford in the summer of 2010, Bull, 31, has been an immensely popular character at Adams Park and played a pivotal role in the Wanderers' promotion from League Two in his first season with a series of incredible saves.

By January 2011 he had signed a new two and a half year deal to June 2013 and received recognition for his superb performances between the sticks by being awarded the Player of the Year gong.

His second year with the club was something of a different story as he conceded more than 100 goals as the Chairboys struggled in League One and suffered an inevitable relegation.

Bull was beset by injuries throughout the campaign, most notably a shoulder problem, and he vented his spleen in the aftermath of the final day defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

Bull went away to the United States during the close season for some intensive fitness work and returned looking both leaner and fitter. He missed a month of action with a pulled thigh muscle during which time manager Gary Waddock was sacked.

Bull has played most of his career under Waddock's wing and since his departure it seems his heart has not been in it. The consequences have been seen on the pitch, with an uncharacteristic howler costing a goal against Oxford United last weekend.

There have been growing rumours that he has been unhappy for some time and Bull has a reputation for saying what he thinks and acting accordingly. There will be many supporters, including several of tender age, who will be both shocked and upset by Bull's decision.

Bull has made 114 appearances (101 in the league) to date but it seems likely that he has played his last game for Wycombe Wanderers.

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