Winger Martin Bullock has been released by Blackpool after four years. While at Barnsley, Bullock's skill helped provided much entertainment and a lot of the ammunition for Neil Redfearn and John Hendrie in our promotion season and the Premiership.
Hopefully, he'll find another club.
Below is the view from http://www.seasiders.net/
Mixed response inevitable as 'Pool release Bullock
Story by Mark Orr 19 May 2005
Martin Bullock has today ended a four-year stay at Bloomfield Road after manager Colin Hendry confirmed he would not be given a new deal at the club.
The 30-year-old was one of three out of contract players still to have their fate decided but has now been told he can leave the Seasiders after making almost 200 appearances for the club.
Martin Bullock (Right) - Leaves 'Pool following four years at the club
Of the other pair, Gareth Evans is expected to sign in the coming days whilst the future of Paul Edwards will be decided before the manager goes on holiday next week.
Bullock arrived at ‘Pool having been released by Barnsley, for whom he figured in the Premiership, in the summer of 2001, joining a side back in the second division following the Cardiff play-off victory and penning a two-year deal following a successful trial period.
His quick and direct style meant he was an instant hit with the Bloomfield Road faithful, winning much praise for his first term at the club which saw him inspire the side to LDV Vans Trophy victory - including the now famous golden goal winner at the McAlpine Stadium which sealed a second trip to the Millennium Stadium in as many years.
Despite the side’s lack of evident progress up the league table the following year, Bullock had possibly an even better season, running defences ragged and ultimately being named in the PFA second division team of the year. With inevitable interest from other club’s, it was something of a relief for fans and staff alike when the diminutive wideman extended his deal for a further two years.
However, the fact defences were now singling him out as the man who made ‘Pool tick resulted in a loss of form throughout 2003/04, with the highlight of an average campaign again coming in the LDV Trophy - as a mesmerising display at Cardiff left the Southend defence helpless and led the Seasiders to a 2-0 win.
It was a performance that left fans hopeful he could return to his best and, having been singled out as one man who new manager Hendry wanted in his side, Bullock began the 2004/05 season firing on all cylinders and in form that belittled the club’s appalling start to the League One term. However, a torn hamstring during the draw against Swindon in September came at the worst possible time - and upon his return exactly three months later he was unable to reproduce anything like his early season form. His final game was, ironically, against the Barnsley side in which he made his name but the disappointing defeat summed up Bullock’s campaign.
The second succesive mediocre season along with Hendry’s views on the need for a physical presence at this level meant his future at the club was always in doubt - and hotly debated by many supporters - but now having been released it is thought he may retire from the game to pursue interests outside of football.
"It was a difficult decision - he has been a great servant to the football club," the boss told the club’s official website. "At times we were a bit on the short side (last season) and I think we need to build a team with more presence. I have a budget to keep and I have to cut it up in the correct way - there are other more important areas in the side which need strengthening.
"I would like to thank Bully for his service to the club."
Everyone at Seasiders.net would like to echo the manager's thanks to Martin for the excitement he so often brought during his time at the club - and wish him all the best for the future.