Pretty sad news this. After a fair amount of speculation about his future, the club have confirmed what many have long suspected; they will not be extending Freddie Bouma’s contract when it expires in June and he is free to talk to other clubs about a free transfer in the Summer. I assume this is one of those “mutual consent” things.

It’s a massive shame, Freddie’s attitude and skill endured him to us and I think I can speak for everyone in saying that we all desperately wanted him to make the recovery from the horrific ankle injury and run out in claret and blue again. Unfortunately it’s not to be.

I presume that he’ll be at Villa Park, as Laursen was last season, to say goodbye at the final game of the season on Sunday. If so, I’m sure he’ll receive an extremely warm reception.

I want to extend a massive thank you to Freddie, I’m really glad to you came to Villa, and I wish you the best of luck for the future. We’ll keep an eye on your career, I’m sure you’ll do well.

I’ve just noticed that I didn’t ever get round to doing a wallpaper for Freddie, so I’m working on fixing that right now (I wonder what picture I will use?). I’ll put a link in here when it’s up in a little while. Done, click below.