Ipswich Town’s promotion-winning goalkeeper Vaclav Haldky posts emotional message following his exit

Ipswich Town’s departed promotion-winning goalkeeper Vaclav Haldky has said the club will ‘stay always in my heart’ after ‘an amazing three years’ in an emotional message to fans.

The 33-year-old Czech shot-stopper was confirmed as leaving the Suffolk club last Monday having been unable to agree a new contract with the Tractor Boys and thus becoming a free agent.

It came after he had ousted Christian Walton, after stepping in for him due to a pre-season injury, as the Blues’ number one on their return to the Sky Bet Championship. Hladky was an ever-present as Kieran McKenna’s side went on to secure back-to-back automatic promotions.

But the prospect of not being set to be first-choice in the Premier League was thought to have proved a stumbling block in the contract negotiations, which had begun back in January.

Having been seen as the back-up keeper prior to his 46 appearances last season, the player who joined from Salford City in the summer of 2021 departs having made 71 appearances during his time at Portman Road.

“It’s been an amazing three years, and as my time here comes to end, I wanted to say a huge thank you,” he wrote on his Instagram account.

“From day one, you’ve made me feel at home, and I’ve loved every moment of this journey with you all.

“Getting promoted to the Premier League last season was a massive highlight, and I’m so grateful for the support from my teammates, the staff, and, of course, the fans. You guys are incredible, and playing for you has been an honour.

“I’ll always look back on my time at Ipswich with great memories and a big smile.

“Though it’s time for a new adventure, I’ll be cheering you on and following you in the Premier League closely.

“Thanks for everything, and here’s to Ipswich’s bright future! Ipswich Town will stay always in my heart 💙.”

It remains to be seen where he will end up for the upcoming campaign but he had previously been linked with a return to Scotland, having previously played for St Mirren, with fellow Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen.