Joe Marler’s Jaw Drops: Jimmy Bullard Reveals Shocking Football Salary
Former England rugby star Joe Marler couldn’t hide his astonishment when podcast guest and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard disclosed the details of his most lucrative football contract. The revelation occurred on Marler’s popular podcast, leaving the tough rugby player visibly stunned.
Jimmy Bullard carved out a successful 15-year football career after starting in non-league football. His journey took him to his beloved boyhood club, West Ham United, and then onto other notable teams including Peterborough United, Wigan Athletic, Fulham, and Hull City. Known for his skill in midfield and entertaining personality, Bullard became a respected figure in the sport.
Since retiring from professional football, Bullard has transitioned seamlessly into media. He gained widespread popularity as a co-host on the Saturday morning football show Soccer AM before its conclusion. Currently, he’s a regular face on the YouTube channel Golf Life, alongside Tubes and Ange, showcasing his personality and love for golf.
Adding to his media presence, the former Premier League midfielder has made numerous podcast appearances, including a memorable guest spot on Joe Marler’s ‘Things People Do‘ podcast. It was during this episode that the discussion turned to footballer wages, leading to a moment of utter disbelief for Marler.
The conversation took a turn when Marler directly asked, “In your prime, what were you earning as a footballer?”. This straightforward question opened the door for Bullard’s eye-opening answer.
Bullard’s response, “My biggest contract was £50,000 a week,” was met with a stunned silence from Joe Marler. The rugby icon’s visibly shocked expression punctuated the moment perfectly. After a pause, Marler exclaimed, “£50k a week?!” His reaction underscored the significant difference between earnings in rugby and top-tier football leagues.
Bullard went on to speculate about current Premier League salaries, suggesting, “I’d have to say a few of the Manchester City players must be on £350k a week.” This further contextualized the substantial sums involved at the highest levels of professional football.
Interestingly, Bullard previously shared a humorous anecdote about a contract error at Hull City that inadvertently boosted his earnings significantly. This story highlights a unique and fortunate moment in his career.
After transferring from Fulham in January 2009 for a club-record £5 million fee, Bullard signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Hull City. He recounted the contract negotiations on his own ‘Magic Sponge‘ podcast, detailing how a simple mistake turned into a financial windfall.
“I was reviewing the contract with my dad, and my agent was also present,” Bullard explained. “We had previously agreed with the club on £40,000 a week. It seemed like a great deal, and I was ready to sign.”
“However,” he continued, “when I looked at the actual paperwork, I noticed it stated £50,000. I discreetly pointed this out to my agent, who simply said, ‘Yeah, it’s a misprint, just sign it.’ So, I signed it quickly, even blowing on the signature to dry the ink! Then, I saw there was also an additional £5,000 or £6,000 appearance bonus listed.”
“My agent reiterated, ‘Just sign it, just sign it!’, so I did,” Bullard laughed, recalling the moment of disbelief and good fortune.
Bullard became Hull City’s record signing in 2009. Image credit: Getty
“The club was just throwing money around like confetti, it was unbelievable,” he joked. “So, thanks to that ‘misprint’, I went from £40,000 to £55,000 a week – an incredible contract. I’m still celebrating it to this day! Thank you, Hull City, for changing my life. I was spending cash everywhere!”
Jimmy Bullard’s Football Career Highlights
Here’s a quick look at Jimmy Bullard’s football journey and key clubs:
- Started in non-league football, working his way up the ranks.
- Played for his boyhood club, West Ham United.
- Represented clubs like Peterborough United, Wigan Athletic, and Fulham, gaining valuable Premier League experience.
- Became Hull City’s record signing in 2009, landing his most significant contract.
- Enjoyed a 15-year professional career, marked by skill and a charismatic personality.
Want to hear more entertaining stories from the world of sports? Check out Joe Marler’s ‘Things People Do‘ podcast for more insightful and hilarious conversations!