By Terry Butcher BBC Sport's former Ipswich legend reflects on the sacking of boss George Burley

George Burley's dismissal came as a very big surprise - but he can leave Portman Road with his head held high and as a very proud man.

He did a fantastic job and I feel for him because I know how much he loved Ipswich and how much he loved his job.

Ipswich sack Burley

George took the club into the Premiership and into Europe and gave them a taste of the big time. He put the pride back into Ipswich Town Football Club.

It is even more disappointing that he has left the club completely because I still feel George could have had an important part to play, maybe as director of football.

The director of football can sometimes be the one who helps the new manager and helps the structure of the club.

Have your say: Ipswich right to sack Burley?

I feel he still has a lot to offer and to lose someone of that dedication and loyalty is a big, big loss.

It is a testament to George's high standards that Ipswich are now regarded as a Premiership club.

He leaves with a lot of unfinished work still to be done.

Ipswich had a setback when they lost against Grimsby Town, but they are still in the Uefa Cup and have games in hand in the First Division.

Marcus Stewart's injury was a vital blow

I still believe they have more than a good chance of getting into the top six with the players they have.

It is not a forlorn situation.

I'm not saying the club have made the decision too early, but there are a lot of games to be played in the league and we have all seen what Ipswich can do if they get on a run.

Maybe he has even be a victim of his own success. When you build success as quickly as he did, sometimes you need a period of consolidation.

Ipswich were up and then they were down - it was almost too quick a rise.

And sometimes when you get on a downward spiral of results it's difficult to get out of it.

In games last season, they were very close to winning and ended up losing. They also lost key players at key times through injury, Marcus Stewart in particular.

I now think Ipswich need somebody to get the ship in order. I think all the top names will be put forward because Ipswich is regarded as a top job.

As far as George is concerned, I hope he stays in management because he has a lot to offer the game.

He is keen, enthusiastic and plays the game the right way.

George can be proud of his achievements and he does not leave Ipswich with his reputation damaged, he leaves with it enhanced.