Mick Out!

[number 9]

Time for a poll.

[phily bon bon]

Difficult one this ,but as no others have said anything i voted for keep him till his contract runs out. That said a realistic candidate should be sounded out now . A younger hungrier, more visionary boss with an insatiable appitite for success and a williness to try to play football in the old style like we used to.

Not at all costs both results wise or economically ,we have to be prudent. But i feel he would get a lot of backing and leverage from the fans if we could see what he was trying to do.

[arana peligrosa]

Having the idea of keeping McCarthy until end of contract feels you with a level of nausea and the option of terminating his employment as soon as possible would seem a little harsh, so was left with the alternative of keeping him until end of season and then taking action to bring someone new in.

McCarthy has pissed me off so many times in the last year or so that it's difficult to keep track of number. The disregard to cup competitions, inability to keep the ball on ground level, the apparent indifferent reaction to games even after a setback.

Those are just a few undisputable concerns and while McCarthy may be a fine individual himself, and I wish him no harm, as manager of this club we are making little progress and as before, the instances he has proved irritating cannot easily be overlooked. The thought of another two or three years of (often) inept and frustrating management dictates that action has to be undertaken, but would allow him to see out the remainder of this season if nothing else.

[number 9]

I agree with both Jude and Phily, although I voted to replace MM asap. I changed my mind about MM's future after his comments about Foley's debut. Bluemike described Foley as woeful, yet MM says he thought Foley was excellent. I'm sorry, but I'm tired of MM's bullshit. It almost seems as if MM is getting a bit senile. This has been going on far too long. I don't think we need to spend a huge amount of money to play good football either. I think it's more about coaching. Peterborough against West Brom in the FA Cup played very attractive football even though they eventually lost. And of course, we all know how Portsmouth tore us apart. I'd venture a guess both of those clubs haven't spent a lot of money.

On second thought though, I think I probably should have voted to keep MM until the end of the season. I do think it's prudent for the board to start thinking about a replacement...sooner, rather than later.

[Magicmark]

Guess there will be another poll if Mick gets us promoted . knighted,statue,stuffed & put in trophy cabinet . Sorry we have just lost 2 games away from home it's not the end of the world . Yes I have witnessed the hoof & I know they are not world beaters..I think a new manager now at this time of the season is a bad idea.

[marko69]

There have been way too many threads/posts about the style of play so I reckon maybe at the end of the season, even if the play offs are achieved, it'll be time to call it a day. Then hope Bournemouth or Norwich get relegated, and go for Eddie Howe or Alex Neil. Both young, very adventurous managers.

And then hope money is available in the summer. Shitloads of hoping going on here.

[herforder]

We need a National Referendum! Far too important to leave to mere supporters

Whilst ME remains owner, MM will remain manager.

[number 9]

I'm really not trying to create an argument here. I just thought it was time for a poll after reading numerous posts about MM and our style of play. To each his own...and that's fine. It would be helpful though if you could take the time to vote on the poll...you know, just to see where fans stand. Cheers!

[arana peligrosa]

I'm really not trying to create an argument here. I just thought it was time for a poll after reading numerous posts about MM and our style of play. To each his own...and that's fine. It would be helpful though if you could take the time to vote on the poll...you know, just to see where fans stand. Cheers!

It's not so much argument. What was initially put across was a fair minded and relevant question that has split a considerable divide among the support. There could have been a sub-category where we allow McCarthy to continue as he is until end of season and then seriously evaulate the situation and determine whether to give him another year or two or terminate him then and there.

It begs the same question each and every time - who could you feasibly bring in that could do a better job - but as before, McCarthy has proved too troublesome too often that you can't help but feel there could be someone else out there that could maybe put together something more substantial.

Maybe we'll make the play-offs again, maybe we won't, but as for promotion itself, right now it looks between slim and non-existent. Manager has to take his share of responsibilities.

If we are to really challenge next season then changes will have to be made this summer. If that includes the manager making way for future prosperity, then it's the only viable course of action.

[Mr Disco]

Time for a poll.

None of the choices. Add option Evans Give mick money in summer!

[Ohiotractorboy]

Lets get Roy back in here!

[Charnwood]

I've voted to keep Mick until the end of his contract only because I don't see us being able to attract or afford anyone better. With this being the situation there seems no point changing for the sake of change.

As I've said on another thread, unless we have some serious money injected into the club I think we should be grateful for the results we get with our limited resources. I know money isn't guaranteed to buy success but it sure does help as Leicester City fans found out when unlimited funds came their way.

For those who vote "Mick Out" who would you realistically replace him with given a similar salary budget cos I'm not sure there are too many managers out there capable of getting better results than Mick gets with such limited funds. I know the football isn't pretty at times but I'd much prefer to see us "win ugly" than "loose pretty", after all football is a results game.

I guess lots of the comments about attractive entertaining football come from those of us lucky enough to have been around in the "Robson Glory Years" when he put together one of the most successful teams in the country at that time on a tiny budget. However there aren't many "Bobby Robsons" around and managers of his ilk and talent come round once in a generation and for that reason alone were unlikely to see another in our lifetime.

Sadly I think we have to manage our expectations and just hope that sometime soon we either get taken over by a multi billionaire who pumps millions of pounds into the club, or we strike lucky with or next Managerial appointment and find the next "Eddie Howe" however we only have a slim chance of either of these events happening.

Meanwhile we put up with our Mick who we shouldn't forget has been our saviour albeit not pretty.

[Bluemike]

Exactly right Andy, I agree with that entirely and have said much of the same thing elsewhere.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

Utterly ridiculous thread and poll.

Those who wouldn't mind Mick going: are you crazy? Who do you think would do a better job than Mick when manager isn't being backed by Evans? No-one. NO MANAGER WILL MAKE US BETTER !

We could be relegated under a different manager !

Yes I have some issues with Mick regarding our tactics. No plan B at all. If our hoofball is sussed out by an opposition we have no answer, no imagination, no solution. I don't mind hoofball as long as it's effective but this hasn't been a case of late. By no means though I want Mick to go.

Even much glorified George Burley had had to spend badly to get us promoted. Even Magilton who hasn't done anything special with us despite the luxury of spending money is remembered nicely by many.

This is all entirely Evans fault !!! He doesn't provide his manager with funds so what else do you expect? January last year was a missed opportunity and seems like this is going to be the case again. Evans and his policy is slowly taking us backwards !

Those who want an entertainment, just watch and 'enjoy'. You miss an ilk of football like that don't you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-b1Rz77k8U

[Bluemike]

I thought we played some good passing football that day Mach LOL, not a hoof ball in sight so some posters on here will be happy with it as it is the football that counts.

[number 9]

Utterly ridiculous thread and poll.

Those who wouldn't mind Mick going: are you crazy? Who do you think would do a better job than Mick when manager isn't being backed by Evans? No-one. NO MANAGER WILL MAKE US BETTER !

We could be relegated under a different manager !

Yes I have some issues with Mick regarding our tactics. No plan B at all. If our hoofball is sussed out by an opposition we have no answer, no imagination, no solution. I don't mind hoofball as long as it's effective but this hasn't been a case of late. By no means though I want Mick to go.

Even much glorified George Burley had had to spend badly to get us promoted. Even Magilton who hasn't done anything special with us despite the luxury of spending money is remembered nicely by many.

This is all entirely Evans fault !!! He doesn't provide his manager with funds so what else do you expect? January last year was a missed opportunity and seems like this is going to be the case again. Evans and his policy is slowly taking us backwards !

Those who want an entertainment, just watch and 'enjoy'. You miss an ilk of football like that don't you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-b1Rz77k8U

If you don't like the thread, don't bother posting on it then! I think it's the perfect time to see how fans feel on this topic, and judging by the poll so far there are certainly divisions in the fan base!

[arana peligrosa]

There's a six page feature on Mick McCarthy on Manchester City's Blue Moon supporters forum that may be of interest. Be advised the pages are severely hampered by a number of advertisements and commercials that may not be suitable for some browsers.

As stated in previous posts, it's not just McCarthy himself who is at fault for our apparent lack of progress. The owner has been prudent with his spending regards new players and both seem to present a level of ambition that is simply not satisfactory to a number of our support.

Believe saw it read somewhere on these pages that one or two would actually accept an Ipswich relegation, if it meant getting our house in order, clearing out the dead wood, a season or two of transition in a lower league : and then come back stronger for it and challenge again. Norwich have done just this in recent years from the third division to the premier league but the thought of a Town relegation out of the top two divisions is such a frightening prospect it's not a subject matter for everyone.

Thing is, I can't see a relegation with Evans / McCarthy - but by the same token can't see envisage a promotion with it. This only leaves being stuck in the second league for some further considerable time. Yes we have a level of stability, but aren't making the proper progress. In order to move forward one or both of the aforementioned names must ideally be willing to give way.

[Bluemike]

Former Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle has a great deal of empathy with Mick McCarthy and draws a lot of parallels between the club’s current situation and the time when he was in charge.

Royle took over the Blues following their relegation in 2002 and operated under severe financial restrictions due to the club going into administration, but he was still able to piece together teams that made the play-offs two seasons in a row.

The Liverpudlian – who left the club after a 15th place finish in 2006 – is still adamant that he would have achieved promotion with just a little bit more latitude in the transfer market.

Fast-forward a decade and it’s a similar picture. McCarthy has worked minor miracles on a shoestring budget, masterminded a 
top-six finish last season, but the fear among a large section of supporters is that, with the team out of form and in eighth, a glass 
ceiling has been hit.

“I can empathise with Mick because in my last season at the club I was playing players simply because they were available, not because they were good enough,” said Royle. “Before that we’d got to the play-offs twice with a team of cheapies and kids.

“One or two board members ended up taking exception to one interview I did with your paper in which I said I didn’t think the club had gone for it enough. It wasn’t meant to be a political statement, I got on great with (chairman) David Sheepshanks and the board and I fully understood the reasons why the financial situation was what it was, but I just felt at the time that we should have made a bigger effort to take a free transfer or two.

“For God’s sake, we were heading into the play-offs and had a decent shot at getting the jackpot of the Premier League.”

Does Royle think McCarthy may harbour similar frustrations following three years of restricted spending?

“Mick is realistic and pragmatic, he knew the situation when he took the job and when he signed his new contract recently. He knew there would be frustrations along the way.

“I don’t know the full financial picture at Ipswich, but what is clear is that in between my time and Mick’s time the club spent quite heavily for this division and the owner (Marcus Evans) didn’t get the rewards he expected. Now he seems to want to be making the club work for itself financially.

“I know that’s not what the fans want to hear, but that’s the situation. It is what it is.”

Royle added: “It’s a paradox being a manager. Your job is to raise expectations, Mick has certainly done that, and now that is bouncing back on him. You can become a victim of your own success, but that’s the job.

“I had it at Everton. We went from bottom to winning the FA Cup, Charity Shield and sixth in the space of 18 months, then we had a whole spate of injuries and people couldn’t handle it.

“Fans are entitled to their opinions, of course they are, but I’m of the opinion that you should support your team through the good and bad times. And, come on, these are hardly bad times for Ipswich.

“Mick and Terry Connor are top operators and they know what they are doing.”

Well Joe Royle has nailed his colours to the mast, and the bit in Bold is exactly how I see it, a supporter is just that through thick and thin. The very fact he has said that shows that he thinks some fans are not "supporting" the team.

[number 9]

I'm really not trying to create an argument here. I just thought it was time for a poll after reading numerous posts about MM and our style of play. To each his own...and that's fine. It would be helpful though if you could take the time to vote on the poll...you know, just to see where fans stand. Cheers!

Repost

[Bluemike]

It is not about creating an argument, you are entitled to your opinion but it is a very hot topic that will no doubt bring out strong opinions in others, not least those that are behind MM and choose to support what he is doing here.

[marko69]

I suppose there are many, MANY pointless polls out there, just for the sake of it, usually the poster is bored off their tits or something,......, BUT, (put your wig back on 9. ) this poll is arguably the best poll I've seen on this site. And it shows that the opinions are diverse across the options on this forum.

The debating is great. All the forum needs is people to develop thick skins......., I see nothing wrong at all with, "F**k off you Fanny, you are talking absolute bollocks,......., " to be countered with, "Suck my bellend as*hole, like your mother did last night......"
It's refreshing.

[alants32]

In my opinion there is no other manager who would have done as well as he has with the money available.
If anyone can think of one, then name him.
Perhaps our frustration should be directed elsewhere.
If there is no money available for players is Marcus Evans really going to pay out for a top class manager? And is a top class manager going to come to a club where he cannot spend?
At the moment Mick is the best we're going to get!

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

It's a catch 22 for me.

On the one hand, MM has done a fantastic job on funds that are an insult both to him and the fans. From average players, he has built a squad that gives 100% commitment, will never (well hardly ever anyway) say die, and has punched far above it's weight. He is obviously loved by the owner as he doesn't demand funds and just gets on with what he has available.

But that alone is unlikely to secure promotion.

On the other hand, I think he is a dinosaur from a bygone age. Yes he has been very successful in getting teams promoted in the past: but those days have gone, football has moved on but he hasn't. There is far too much hoofball, negative tactics etc to make for an attractive spectacle on Saturday afternoons. Strange, because on the odd occasion we do play 'proper' football and do it quite well. The fact that usually we don't can only be down to the manager and his negative approach - thinking too much about what the opposition will provide rather than letting them worry about us. Maybe his professional pride will not let him experiment because he wants to win and is not prepared to take chances.

Whoever is our manager, I doubt very much we will achieve promotion unless/until proper funds are made available. I do not see that happening whilst the current owner is in situ.

So for me, all we have left is to be able to at least see our team play attractive football. As I said, we have on a few occasions see them do this under the current manager. If we could keep doing this regularly I would say let him stay - unfortunately for me I cannot see him moving away from his negative approach so the sooner he goes the better.

[arana peligrosa]

In my opinion there is no other manager who would have done as well as he has with the money available.
If anyone can think of one, then name him.
Perhaps our frustration should be directed elsewhere.
If there is no money available for players is Marcus Evans really going to pay out for a top class manager? And is a top class manager going to come to a club where he cannot spend?
At the moment Mick is the best we're going to get!

It's like the blind leading the blind out there sometimes. Does anyone genuinely believe there isn't anyone capable of putting together something more enterprising than what we already possess ? For the last time, there's no issue with McCarthy as a standalone individual, but I for one have been more than frustrated with the seasons progress and you could hand select any number of games from this hitherto campaign where questions have been asked.

As for other names that have couldn't have done better with money available then you only need look to recent promotions such as Watford, Bournemouth and even Crystal Palace that went up and all for a snip of the cost i.e. no extravagant amounts of money spent - they simply had the motivation to succeed and managers with enough desire to get their teams up. Something in which McCarthy (and Evans to be brutal) seem seriously deficient.

There's been to many instances in the last year or two of results and scores that have irritated to such an extent where you can't help but root for actions to be undertaken. Not going to elaborate on the areas of concern, these have been debated good enough, and if people won't listen - or don't want to listen - that's their prerogative, but sooner or later it may well come to a stage where enough is enough and steps will have to be taken for the good of the club.

We realize the ambivalence of this whole owner / manager issue that is contagious among our support and whether you're with them or against them that's fine, but only want what's best for the team, and right now, and have become too irritated too often that it's hard to change the line of thinking.

[phily bon bon]

Rossi said it perfectley for me. Im in no way agaisnt Mick and TC or the Work they have done as yet. I think I cant name a fantastic replacement off the top of my head either(maybe Rodgers prehaps) but there are´nt many around. I do think Mick is a Little bit of a dinosaur in some of his tactics,but there could be a number of factors for this,injuries,squad depth,opposition,etc etc.
Like the top of the poll I voted keep him till this contract runs out,but imho i can only see the team going one way over the NeXT few months till the end of the season.

Hope Im wrong its only my hunch.

[number 9]

http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/trainer/ ... tistik#ath

[Steve and Jo]

So, lets see from that list who would come with little or no spending money on players. Then lets see who is better than what MM is. Instead of sending link to the full managers available, maybe better to have sent link from very last page then go forwards...

Start from the bottom.

[number 9]

I posted the link for informational purposes. I was surprised to see how many experienced managers are available.

[Charnwood]

So, lets see from that list who would come with little or no spending money on players. Then lets see who is better than what MM is. Instead of sending link to the full managers available, maybe better to have sent link from very last page then go forwards...

Start from the bottom.

I'm not sure which page is the last page as it depends on which criteria you choose for the rankings?

However given that Mick McCarthy's career track record is better than many of these unemployed managers the list quickly shrinks, as it does again when you exclude top flight managers like Jose Mourinho, and the inexperienced and long term unemployed.

McCarthy's career record of 1.44 points per game and 1.50 points per game at Town compares quite favourably with those on the list and to get a more experienced manager we'd need to look at only those with a track record of 1.60 points per game and above, the list gets shorter.

Maybe one of us could draw up a short list and send it to Marcus Evans.

[barmy billy]

I am afraid I do not accept comments like 'we are what we are' and 'Mick is the best we are going to get' because to do so is in effect to give up and accept what we have, or in other words consign ourselves dull, imaginative and boring football for the forseeable future.

It has nothing to do with being true blue or supporting the club through thick and thin: it is to do with wanting continual improvement, because to stand still is to stagnate and ultimately go backwards. I think MM has done a sterling job since he arrived and is to be congratulated for that, but I firmly believe that unless things change we will go no further.