Ipswich blame relegation for ‘painful decision’ to sell Holland

IPSWICH TOWN chairman David Sheepshanks has blamed the economic disaster which accompanied the club’s relegation from the Premiership for the reluctant decision to sell Matt Holland to Aston Villa.

The two clubs yesterday agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £4 million, for the Republic of Ireland midfielder who is currently on international duty in Helsinki.

Sheepshanks said they did not want to sell one of their prized assets especially after Titus Bramble's departure to Newcastle in the summer for £5million but off-the-field pressures forced their hand. ''We have most reluctantly agreed a fee with Aston Villa for Matt Holland,'' Sheepshanks said. ''It is the consequence of relegation at a time that the football market is depressed.