Joe Royle today admitted he would be 'very sad' to see Matt Holland quit Portman Road.
The Ipswich Town skipper is considering a transfer to First Division champions Portsmouth after the Blues accepted a £750,000 bid from Portsmouth.
And the Town boss said: "Matt doesn't want to leave but is interested in a return to the Premiership.
"I can understand that but would be very sorry to see him leave.
"He was a model of consistency last season, playing in more than one position, and deservedly won our player-of-the-year award.
"I can't speak highly enough of him and, whether he goes or not, I'd like to thank him for everything he's done since I arrived."
The size of the fee has provoked anger from Ipswich fans, especially bearing in mind that Aston Villa had a £4 million bid accepted last August.
Holland turned down a move on that occasion but Royle said: "I'm not surprised in the slightest by this figure.
"Unfortunately, that's the state of the transfer market at the moment."
Published Thursday, June 5, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article