Mick Out!

[Bluemike]

The thing is as each season passes we get 3 new clubs coming down with multi millions by way of parachute payments, not to mention the continued spending of those already in this division who are blessed with this over Four years, the very fact we are still managing to hang in there and challenge these teams implies we too must surely be making progress also, even if it is hard to recognise from the league table, it gets harder and we still put a challenge in.

[barmy billy]

The thing is as each season passes we get 3 new clubs coming down with multi millions by way of parachute payments, not to mention the continued spending of those already in this division who are blessed with this over Four years, the very fact we are still managing to hang in there and challenge these teams implies we too must surely be making progress also, even if it is hard to recognise from the league table, it gets harder and we still put a challenge in.

I take your point Mike, but having said I think (although we have progressed under MM) I am not alone in thinking we have hit our limit. I accept it is not easy as you have pointed out, but where do we go from here? Something has to change, either by way of an injection of funds or a change in personnel, or to my mind preferably both.

I am not a fickle fan and if you recall, I said as long ago as last season that MM and his type of football/tactics would not get us promotion. I still feel this but it does not stop me from being an ardent supporter.

Enjoy you weekend.

[Charnwood]

To be honest Mike I don't think "simply hanging on in there" excites many fans anymore and most are hungry for success even if it doesn't not seem realistic at times.

Given what MM has achieved without funds suggests that it shouldn't take too many millions to buy success. I know money alone doesn't guarantee this but it sure should help.

When ME took over at the end of 2007 we were £30m in debt, 8yrs on I think this has increased to £86m or thereabouts and is likely to carry on increasing if we don't get promoted. After Bolton & QPR I think our debt is the next highest in the Championship so realistically we're not going to be big spenders again unless we get into new ownership. ME tried it with RK at the helm and it failed, he's therefore unlikely to try it again.

I still think one big spend with the right manager in place could work and all our debt could be written off in a couple of seasons in the Prem League, surely it's worth a gamble for any new owner with a bottomless pit of money to invest and "buy promotion".

Surely there can't be a much better Championship football club to invest in than ITFC...

As I see it this is the only way it's going to happen, without it I'm with BB in thinking we've hit our limit.

Without a new owner I don't see anything much changing! however finding one is probably 10X harder than changing the manager, and doing the later only is quite risky without any investment and could make the situation worse.

[barmy billy]

To be honest Mike I don't think "simply hanging on in there" excites many fans anymore and most are hungry for success even if it doesn't not seem realistic at times.

Given what MM has achieved without funds suggests that it shouldn't take too many millions to buy success. I know money alone doesn't guarantee this but it sure should help.

When ME took over at the end of 2007 we were £30m in debt, 8yrs on I think this has increased to £86m or thereabouts and is likely to carry on increasing if we don't get promoted. After Bolton & QPR I think our debt is the next highest in the Championship so realistically we're not going to be big spenders again unless we get into new ownership. ME tried it with RK at the helm and it failed, he's therefore unlikely to try it again.

I still think one big spend with the right manager in place could work and all our debt could be written off in a couple of seasons in the Prem League, surely it's worth a gamble for any new owner with a bottomless pit of money to invest and "buy promotion".

Surely there can't be a much better Championship football club to invest in than ITFC...

As I see it this is the only way it's going to happen, without it I'm with BB in thinking we've hit our limit.

Without a new owner I don't see anything much changing! however finding one is probably 10X harder than changing the manager, and doing the later only is quite risky without any investment and could make the situation worse.

We agree on something? Surely not!

[Charnwood]

To be honest Mike I don't think "simply hanging on in there" excites many fans anymore and most are hungry for success even if it doesn't not seem realistic at times.

Given what MM has achieved without funds suggests that it shouldn't take too many millions to buy success. I know money alone doesn't guarantee this but it sure should help.

When ME took over at the end of 2007 we were £30m in debt, 8yrs on I think this has increased to £86m or thereabouts and is likely to carry on increasing if we don't get promoted. After Bolton & QPR I think our debt is the next highest in the Championship so realistically we're not going to be big spenders again unless we get into new ownership. ME tried it with RK at the helm and it failed, he's therefore unlikely to try it again.

I still think one big spend with the right manager in place could work and all our debt could be written off in a couple of seasons in the Prem League, surely it's worth a gamble for any new owner with a bottomless pit of money to invest and "buy promotion".

Surely there can't be a much better Championship football club to invest in than ITFC...

As I see it this is the only way it's going to happen, without it I'm with BB in thinking we've hit our limit.

Without a new owner I don't see anything much changing! however finding one is probably 10X harder than changing the manager, and doing the later only is quite risky without any investment and could make the situation worse.

We agree on something? Surely not!

It had to happen some day BB given that we've probably followed Town over a similar period and seen the best and worst of our teams over the years.

To be honest I can't even remember what we fell out over but for me that's water under the bridge.

[Bluemike]

The thing is as each season passes we get 3 new clubs coming down with multi millions by way of parachute payments, not to mention the continued spending of those already in this division who are blessed with this over Four years, the very fact we are still managing to hang in there and challenge these teams implies we too must surely be making progress also, even if it is hard to recognise from the league table, it gets harder and we still put a challenge in.

I take your point Mike, but having said I think (although we have progressed under MM) I am not alone in thinking we have hit our limit. I accept it is not easy as you have pointed out, but where do we go from here? Something has to change, either by way of an injection of funds or a change in personnel, or to my mind preferably both.

I am not a fickle fan and if you recall, I said as long ago as last season that MM and his type of football/tactics would not get us promotion. I still feel this but it does not stop me from being an ardent supporter.

Enjoy you weekend.

Billy I have never even suggested you are a fickle fan, not to the best of my knowledge anyway so you don 't have to justify yourself to me or anyone else for that matter.

I do disagree that we have hit our limit with MM though. We still have everything to play for this season, blimey we are 3 points off the top six with 15 games to go, yes it will be tough and yes we may fall short but as it stnds we are very much in the mix. To achieve top six again would be a fantastic achievement in my eyes and once in them anything can happen.

As I have repeatedly said, spending guarantees sod all and as only 3 teams can go up there are going to be an awful lot of clubs who will have gambeld and failed, we may ultimately fall short but at least we haven't gambled away millions we don't have. We all go on and on about how corrupt and obscene football is these days and yet many are calling for us to be exactly the same, I am glad we are finally trying to do it the right way even if those around us are not.

[barmy billy]

To be honest Mike I don't think "simply hanging on in there" excites many fans anymore and most are hungry for success even if it doesn't not seem realistic at times.

Given what MM has achieved without funds suggests that it shouldn't take too many millions to buy success. I know money alone doesn't guarantee this but it sure should help.

When ME took over at the end of 2007 we were £30m in debt, 8yrs on I think this has increased to £86m or thereabouts and is likely to carry on increasing if we don't get promoted. After Bolton & QPR I think our debt is the next highest in the Championship so realistically we're not going to be big spenders again unless we get into new ownership. ME tried it with RK at the helm and it failed, he's therefore unlikely to try it again.

I still think one big spend with the right manager in place could work and all our debt could be written off in a couple of seasons in the Prem League, surely it's worth a gamble for any new owner with a bottomless pit of money to invest and "buy promotion".

Surely there can't be a much better Championship football club to invest in than ITFC...

As I see it this is the only way it's going to happen, without it I'm with BB in thinking we've hit our limit.

Without a new owner I don't see anything much changing! however finding one is probably 10X harder than changing the manager, and doing the later only is quite risky without any investment and could make the situation worse.

We agree on something? Surely not!

It had to happen some day BB given that we've probably followed Town over a similar period and seen the best and worst of our teams over the years.

To be honest I can't even remember what we fell out over but for me that's water under the bridge.

I agree. Forgoten about.

[barmy billy]

Mike.

I am not advocating that we spend millions, I am suggesting that as things currently stand we are standing still and in danger of going backwards rather than forwards. Under your scenario it is an achievement to be where we are.and similarly for other clubs that do not benefit from either parachute payments or billionaire owners. In that case we may as well give up as ITFC and the remainder are going to achieve bugger all, or at best standing still.

I don't profess to know the solution, but unless ME shows some kind of ambition we are looking at a lot more dreary and drab football for seasons to come.

I don't want to repeat myself and be boring as I have exhausted my argument, so I'll go and get my coat.

[hallamblue]

let me hand it to you BB. .....and I'll join you cos I agree 100%

[Charnwood]

Now I'm home from holiday living in Leicestershire I get reminded every day that money can buy success......

Until Leicester City were bought out by the King Power billionaire owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in 2007 we were a very similar football club to City. Our budget was much the same, as were our results, attendances, debts and history.

What followed was a massive financial injection which proves that spent wisely money can buy success.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha is the 9th richest person in Thailand, perhaps we should be courting the eight ranked above him who have more.

[barmy billy]

let me hand it to you BB. .....and I'll join you cos I agree 100%

Thanks Liz.

[arana peligrosa]

This weekend sees the FA Cup fifth round and have to say feel a significant level of frustration that we're not involved. Could ideally be playing Everton at home and people will be damn well aware we had the capabilities to overcome both Portsmouth and Bournemouth - had the manager shown the proper attitude in going out to win.

That's one major factor in wanting a change of management. League progress is all important but just giving up in the earliest rounds of other competition it just limits the chances of other achievement. McCarthy is simply put, appears too banal to properly offer any hope of real progress.

Apologize if some aren't in agreement but the scores and performances for the most part this season would indicate otherwise.

[jeremy rusher]

The lame home performance and the subsequent pathetic exit from the FA Cup to League Two side Portsmouth really pissed me off. Especially when resting players to go and get beat at Birmingham in the next game. Na....McCarthy has to go. Had the chance to bring some quality in to give it a real go to get promoted but NO... ..Back to the usual lack lustre season. Two identical headers from corners at Bristol City more or less confirmed this team is just not good enough despite what McCarthy says. Perhaps the manager is just keeping the chairman happy by spending nothing.Now the expected end of season slide. No real ambition at this club anymore. The teams above us are looking strong now. A few good games, a few good results, and too many poor games, whatever the result is. If Fulham can bring in players like Evertons Luke Garbutt then why can,t we. ?

[RRanger]

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

Whilst ME remains owner, MM will remain manager.

Totally agree that MM is perfect for ME: low maintenance, good bloke and gives us an outside chance of promotion ( although personally I cannot see us with this brand of football getting through any play offs we might sneak into).Football has moved on... MM hasn't.I like the man. I was a supporter but I think he has taken us as far as he can. My worry is that ME doesn't have the advisors to find anyone better (which would probably mean gambling on someone from abroad because the young up and coming British managers are already at other clubs).

[hallamblue]

Sadly I think there's an element of truth in what you say. However just because MM has recently signed a new contract doesn't mean Evans can't remove him if he feels the need to. But it does mean he can ask for substantial compensation if another Club comes calling for Mick. I think PO are going to be very difficult to achieve now and if we do, like you say, the style of football is antiquated in the modern game.

[arana peligrosa]

Considered Derek McInnes as a possible replacement at some future stage as he has done a marvellous job with Aberdeen and provided the SPL team with the best chance of honors since Alex Ferguson, but discovered he's contracted to the job for another three years.

I'm willing to allow another season after this for McCarthy to show what he can deliver even if there's little say in the matter regards the contract extention. Yes we can just about forget progression in the League and FA Cup so all focus will be on the league once again. I'm just fearing it could be a wasted twelve months and the club may find itself struggling to obtain a play-off finish once again, and in the meantime we could have brought in someone who could have achieved greater things.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

Let's get one thing straight - changing the manager will NOT give us a better chance of achieving promotion.

Without either substantial investment in the playing squad by the present owner, or by the club being sold to somebody else who is willing/capable of providing that investment, I do not think we have an earthly of keeping up with the richer clubs in the Championship, let alone the clubs that will be coming down from the EPL with huge parachute payments.

For me it all boils down to the style of play, since that is the only thing likely to change with a new manager.
Do I want to continue to watch negative tactics and hoofball, or would I rather watch my team play attractive attacking football?
Hmmm....that's a tricky one

[Tangfastic]

Can't see MM going as he's doing a job under ME so the Mick Out campaign is too early.

However, I think it's a good thing there's discontent that MM and ME are aware of.

If Mick can't take us any further with some additional funding or the ability to bring through some younger kids into the senior squad, then it's down to ME. Mick seems to be out of new tricks.

It's pretty depressing to see a 85 million pound debt hanging there so spending bugger all seems logical, but we're now planning to just stay in this league.... so the debt will get bigger.

MM and ME need a bit of a jolt. Whether it's to start looking a bit more aggressively elsewhere for younger up and coming players to sign or trying to integrate some kids from the under-21's into the team. Not just spending cash..... who will be the new Bishop to force their way into the team? I never hardly ever hear about anyone on the under 21's setting the world alight and perhaps forcing their way into the first team squad.
Does Mick actually want to have the hassle of trying to bring through younger players? He seems far more content to deal with 30 something pros who can't be coached anymore, but who can put in a shift.
The young kids on loan are defenders..... Yorwerth, Clark, Emanuell.... if these are the next bunch to come through, then good luck because theres no places for them and we need more than defenders to add some spark to the team. Same goes for CM because Skuse and Douglas are nailed in and I don't think even Bishop would have got a look much this season.

It's not being disloyal or ungrateful to MM and Town to have a moan. Upping the pressure on the manager is not a bad thing, because there is the danger that Mick has settled too easily into working on a shoestring and is going through the motions.

[number 9]

I'm not sure MM would be much better even with a substantial boost in funds. His tactics won't change. I'd like to hear what G&B has to say. What sort of players did Mick purchase for Wolves? And, how did he incorporate those players into the team? I know I'm being lazy.

As far as our U21's go...I just don't think they're good enough. Have you seen our position in the developmental league? We currently sit 2nd from bottom. You may be right, perhaps it is too early for a 'Mick Out' thread. However in my opinion, we're not going any further under MM. He's done a brilliant job...stabilizing us. At some point though we have to move forward with a plan for promotion. Also, I think ME should be asked more questions about his lack of investment. Ipswich fans are too nice...I believe I read that somewhere before.

Of course I'm beating a dead horse here. We've all been saying the same things either in support or against MM. One thing the 'Mick Out' poll has shown is that there is certainly a split on how the fan base feels about MM.

[BoroBlue]

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

What he said....

[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

What he said....

Yes I maintain that.

Even though Mick has his own faults sacking him wouldn't make us better. It's about clubs strategy and policy.

I don't fathom at all why some of our fans think that our reclusive, tax avoiding chairman is a good thing for us. He has no interest at all to push the club forward.

We aren't even moulding the team. This summer we'll have to find new wingers in the rejects/loanees bin as we won't have any. Just 'lets see what happens' approach.

The day Evans sells up the club will be a real hope for the better future. Just sick of him, his lying puppet Milne, clubs policy and them misleading fans. Evans just sell the club and p*ss off please !

[barmy billy]

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

What he said....

Yes I maintain that.

Even though Mick has his own faults sacking him wouldn't make us better. It's about clubs strategy and policy.

I don't fathom at all why some of our fans think that our reclusive, tax avoiding chairman is a good thing for us. He has no interest at all to push the club forward.

We aren't even moulding the team. This summer we'll have to find new wingers in the rejects/loanees bin as we won't have any. Just 'lets see what happens' approach.

The day Evans sells up the club will be a real hope for the better future. Just sick of him, his lying puppet Milne, clubs policy and them misleading fans. Evans just sell the club and p*ss off please !

Strong opinions indeed.

What I do not understand is MM saying he is happy with his squad and sees no reason to spend money even though he agrees it is available. If that was not the case I feel certain that MM would up sticks and go. Either that or he lost his real ambition and is happy to have a cushy number.

Either way, he is incapable of taking us to the Premiership and should be replaced.

[marko69]

I think Mevans DID have the intention of taking ITFC to the EPL and pushing the club well and truly forward with appointing Roy "fkn tit" Keane as boss. Big name, and big money. Little did Mevans know was that ALL of Roy "fkn tit" Keanes previous managerial success was a complete fluke and in reality, the guy was clueless, and still is.

And so, yes......, maybe after seeing how quick cash can disappear in the world of football while striving for the promised land, he's holding back on the money required for "quality" signings. (If they exist).

And if the truth were known, maybe, (just maybe) Mevans doesn't realistically think Mick can actually get them to the EPL anyway, regardless of the cash, and regardless of the play offs last season.

For the record, reading all 46 reports from last season, part of me thought Mick had stumbled upon a winning formula to make that top 6. But that's WAAAY too controversial for me to say. I'm a fence sitter.

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

Strong opinions indeed.

What I do not understand is MM saying he is happy with his squad and sees no reason to spend money even though he agrees it is available. If that was not the case I feel certain that MM would up sticks and go. Either that or he lost his real ambition and is happy to have a cushy number.

Either way, he is incapable of taking us to the Premiership and should be replaced.

He should be replaced................ by who? Who would do a better job than him in current circumstances?

I've said Mick has his own faults. His words that he was more than happy with this team who keeps losing in a bad manner, or terrible hoofball being served up and no other tactical solutions. I know that. I'm not happy with Mick at the moment as he has his own faults but WHO COULD DO A BETTER JOB whilst not being backed by Evans?

Evans' policy is the main reason of what is going on. If he carries on with that I can see us ending up in League One in 3-4 years.

[ashfordblue]

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.

There's only one way Marco that we would get shed loads of dosh, and that's for Marcus to sell us to a wealthy buyer, we are in a very good position to sell up, and I think we wouldn't have to wait too long before an offer would be put in, we have a gate capacity of 30'000 + and get rid of Mick & Tel bring in Andy Warburton and we would be promoted just like that

[marko69]

And has Warburton got loads of bread......, err sorry, I mean dough......., fk it. I'll get ma coat.

Those jags took a huge leap towards SPL safety last night, Ash.

[ashfordblue]

And has Warburton got loads of bread......, err sorry, I mean dough......., fk it. I'll get ma coat.

Those jags took a huge leap towards SPL safety last night, Ash.

They certainly did Marco, was well chuffed with that result, but like the championship anyone can beat anyone it seems in the SPL

[barmy billy]

Strong opinions indeed.

What I do not understand is MM saying he is happy with his squad and sees no reason to spend money even though he agrees it is available. If that was not the case I feel certain that MM would up sticks and go. Either that or he lost his real ambition and is happy to have a cushy number.

Either way, he is incapable of taking us to the Premiership and should be replaced.

He should be replaced................ by who? Who would do a better job than him in current circumstances?

I've said Mick has his own faults. His words that he was more than happy with this team who keeps losing in a bad manner, or terrible hoofball being served up and no other tactical solutions. I know that. I'm not happy with Mick at the moment as he has his own faults but WHO COULD DO A BETTER JOB whilst not being backed by Evans?

Evans' policy is the main reason of what is going on. If he carries on with that I can see us ending up in League One in 3-4 years.

Do you know precisely what Evans policy is, because it is not clear to me given the conflicting opinions we get?

[Mach_Polish_Blue]

Have you been in the coma in the last 2-3 years? Because your question about Evans' policy is really odd.

You think it's all Micks fault. Yet you have no answer about who could do better than him in these circumstances. I repeat my question: imagine Mick goes who do you think would make us better with no financial backing?

[Mr.Punch]

I'm an ITFC optimist but even I'm struggling at the moment.
MM has often said he can't buy better than he's got, despite having money to spend, whilst saying that the top clubs have millions. This can only mean that the money available is simply not enough to buy quality. Are we tied by FFP or ME or simply because we haven't had any parachute payments in living memory?
I tend to go along with those who consider MM the best current option but Portman Road is hardly thrill a minute just now.
Wise people in football have warned us 'be careful what you wish for'. Changing MM or ME is like the in/out of Europe debate, it's a risk either way.
Money aside, Luck is everything's in football, Naridge stumbled on Lambert and then Neill, we got lucky with Robson - hopefully we'll get lucky again.