Well said Ollie

[Bluemike]

“Careful what you wish for,” was QPR boss Ian Holloway’s message to Mick McCarthy’s detractors after the Blues’ 3-0 defeat of his side at Portman Road on Saturday.

Having lamented his team’s second half collapse after conceding Luke Varney’s goal nine minutes after the break, which could have resulted in a defeat by a significantly bigger margin, Holloway turned his post-match press conference attention to the criticism his friend McCarthy has faced this season.

“I’ve got to go back and try and deal with how bad we were after we let the second goal in,” Holloway said following his second game back in charge at Loftus Road.

“But I’ll still remember what we were like before that and I’ll try and help them and I’ll stand there for them and I’ll be strong for them and at the end of the day they’re still the fundamental things.

“I’ve had about six training sessions since I’ve been here with all of them, I’ve had people away on international duty but we’ve got to be mentally tougher than that as a group because I’m pretty disappointed with the finish of this game and last week I wasn’t very happy with the finish of that game [the 2-1 home win against Norwich].

“But that is the vital thing. Can you all be as consistent as the teams at the top, and if not why not because everybody thinks they should be at the top of the table now, particularly here, don’t you?

“I would just like to remind all of you, where were you when Mick McCarthy first turned up?

“How short memories you have. With the greatest respect, it’s not the best thing to actually sell your best players all the time, is it?

“Seven points you had [when McCarthy took over in November 2012]. Never mind about going up, what about not going down, [never mind] about keeping building, what about selling? It doesn’t make sense for me, sorry. And he’s a good mate of mine.

“I’m only being realistic. Don’t bring your own woes and chuck it at someone, that’s how I feel, and ask why you keep having to sell all your best players all the time.

“You got someone from non-league [Tyrone Mings] , you sold him for about £8 million [to Bournemouth], is that what Mick wants to do, is it? Really? I doubt it. Would he like to keep them and keep working? I don’t know.

“Just have a bit of a thought sometimes, that’s all I’m saying and then you might get what you want for Christmas.

“I hope you don’t mind and I hope you don’t think I’m making a big story of it, all I’m trying to say is just sometimes have a little look where you were and have a little think about who you’re having a go at. That’s all I’m saying. Because some of us are alright. Some of us.”

Reflecting on his recent visits to Portman Road, he added: “I don’t like coming here now, that’s twice you’ve beaten me 3-0.”

When it was pointed out that at least the game hadn’t ended in a 5-0 defeat as Mick McCarthy’s second game in charge of Town and Holloway’s first as Crystal Palace boss had four years ago, he said: “It could have been. Believe it or not you had 58 per cent possession that day and we scored five goals.

“Three penalties we had that day, but they were all fouls,” he added with a wink.

[marko69]

Round of applause to that man. He's a good lad. And he's obviously a good friend, which is precious in this world.

[hallamblue]

touche. Was just about to post the same comments.

Good old Holloway , he says it how it is with regard to the REAL problem.

But that also puts into perspective Mick's position doesnt it . He's never once trashed Evans , but my God he has every right to!

PS I doubt IH need ever apply for a job at ITFC : he'll not even get an interview now !

[herforder]

Well said that man. ME take careful note, please.

[AzzurroMark]

Have to agree totally with IH. Other clubs' managers, fans and pundits all seem to hold MM in high regards and the sentiment of "be careful what you wish for" is a very valid point. OK, our results have been hit and miss and many performances poor, but you have to question what we are up against when so many other teams in the Championship seem to spend endless amounts of money. "Money" is (and for many years, has been) the real evil here and while there is such disparity things are unlikely to change for clubs like ours.
I do not tend to comment on forums much these days, as I would only be accused of wearing rose-tinted spectacles (maybe not so much on this particular site), especially as I don't get to many games either. Apart from the cost and other commitments, maybe I have chosen not to attend so many games, Rotherham the only one this season. I always believe in the old adage "if you can't say anything nice, then don't say it at all", therefore if I feel the football on offer doesn't represent value for money I'd rather stay away than be part of a negative atmosphere. As with any business, be it football, restaurants, theme parks , if people stop coming through the door/turnstiles there comes a point eventually when somebody at the very top has got to start questioning why they are staying away. Sorry I have gone slightly off topic, but that is several months of football frustration for you.

[Bluemike]

Have to agree totally with IH. Other clubs' managers, fans and pundits all seem to hold MM in high regards and the sentiment of "be careful what you wish for" is a very valid point. OK, our results have been hit and miss and many performances poor, but you have to question what we are up against when so many other teams in the Championship seem to spend endless amounts of money. "Money" is (and for many years, has been) the real evil here and while there is such disparity things are unlikely to change for clubs like ours.
I do not tend to comment on forums much these days, as I would only be accused of wearing rose-coloured spectacles (maybe not so much on this particular site), especially as I don't get to many games either. Apart from the cost and other commitments, maybe I have chosen not to attend so many games, Rotherham the only one this season. I always believe in the old adage "if you can't say anything nice, then don't say it at all", therefore if I feel the football on offer doesn't represent value for money I'd rather stay away than be part of a negative atmosphere. As with any business, be it football, restaurants, theme , if people stop coming through the door/turnstiles there comes a point eventually when somebody at the very top has got to start questioning why they are staying away. Sorry I have gone slightly off topic, but that is several months of football frustration for you.

Very good post and exactly what I feel fans should do if they aren't happy with the entertainment on offer, as opposed to bringing those that do still want to go down with the negativity and moaning. Well done you fickle bugger !!! (Joke by the way) Shame you weren't posting more actually.

[J4ck22]

It says a lot about a manager when fellow professionals hold them in high regard. This always seems to be the case with Mick. Anyone who gets asked about Mick will always seem to have praise for him, except for Roy Keane obviously but we hate him even more so that doesn't count. Makes quite an odd contrast when compared to Town fans' opinions of him...

[AzzurroMark]

Have to agree totally with IH. Other clubs' managers, fans and pundits all seem to hold MM in high regards and the sentiment of "be careful what you wish for" is a very valid point. OK, our results have been hit and miss and many performances poor, but you have to question what we are up against when so many other teams in the Championship seem to spend endless amounts of money. "Money" is (and for many years, has been) the real evil here and while there is such disparity things are unlikely to change for clubs like ours.
I do not tend to comment on forums much these days, as I would only be accused of wearing rose-coloured spectacles (maybe not so much on this particular site), especially as I don't get to many games either. Apart from the cost and other commitments, maybe I have chosen not to attend so many games, Rotherham the only one this season. I always believe in the old adage "if you can't say anything nice, then don't say it at all", therefore if I feel the football on offer doesn't represent value for money I'd rather stay away than be part of a negative atmosphere. As with any business, be it football, restaurants, theme , if people stop coming through the door/turnstiles there comes a point eventually when somebody at the very top has got to start questioning why they are staying away. Sorry I have gone slightly off topic, but that is several months of football frustration for you.

Very good post and exactly what I feel fans should do if they aren't happy with the entertainment on offer, as opposed to bringing those that do still want to go down with the negativity and moaning. Well done you fickle bugger !!! (Joke by the way) Shame you weren't posting more actually.

Fickle! I've been called far worse , especially being a Norfolk-based Blue . Don't get me wrong, it is more other circumstances that keep me away, after all it is a drug to all of us. I usually meet up with a mate and make a day of it, so much so that even if the result/ performance isn't that good it is almost not as bad. I didn't really enjoy the atmosphere at the Rotherham game, seeing our fans arguing among themselves. I get it that people have differing opinions and reactions, it is just that what I saw wasn't for me.
But getting back on topic, while the football has not been brilliant, I still am of the belief that MM is the best option going forward. I hold much hope that the true McCarthy team is along the lines of Saturday's one. The purchase of a target man in January could be key as I believe we are more a "second half of the season" type of team. I do not see anyone else who I feel could do a long term job within the same constraints that MM has.

[Bluemike]

You are spot on regarding the Rotherham game, I too hated seeing fans turning on each other and unfortunately it was the Mick out brigade who let themselves down by having the front to have a go at fans for applauding the players, bang out of order in my book.

I agree with you completely regarding MM and I have also failed to spot anyone that would or could do a better job with what he has to work for, I must admit a week or two back I was close to losing faith, I defy anyone not to have a moment sometimes but I am more than happy to see him here if we continue as we did saturday as opposed to last weeks garbage.

You "make a day of it" That too is exactly what I do and the social side is as importnat as the football itself, especially the away days, just love them.

[AzzurroMark]

You are spot on regarding the Rotherham game, I too hated seeing fans turning on each other and unfortunately it was the Mick out brigade who let themselves down by having the front to have a go at fans for applauding the players, bang out of order in my book.

I agree with you completely regarding MM and I have also failed to spot anyone that would or could do a better job with what he has to work for, I must admit a week or two back I was close to losing faith, I defy anyone not to have a moment sometimes but I am more than happy to see him here if we continue as we did saturday as opposed to last weeks garbage.

You "make a day of it" That too is exactly what I do and the social side is as importnat as the football itself, especially the away days, just love them.

I imagine most fans who back MM have had those moments where they are close to losing faith, even me . It does hurt all of us when you get a game like the Forest one, but that is inconsistent Ipswich for you. However 6 points from the last nine available gives me hope. Maybe not the individual results, but I'd have taken that tally beforehand.
Nice to hear the views of a like-minded supporter, especially after reading some of the poison on a certain other site. Will point out that I like to read views of all fans, whether I agree or not, it is just that some 'fans' use any and every news story to turn it around to have a pop at MM.

[herforder]

Far higher calibre of supporter on this forum! Passionate, opinionated, humorous (black or otherwise), and mostly retaining most of their brain cells!

[AzzurroMark]

Far higher calibre of supporter on this forum! Passionate, opinionated, humorous (black or otherwise), and mostly retaining most of their brain cells!

Very true Herforder, it amazes me how different the 2 sites are. It is good that people respect others' views on here and while you get a few heated debates, many contributors speak and exchange views as though they actually know each other, not as strangers.

[Bluemike]

Got to be honest I hate that other site with a passion and most of the posters on there have less than a brain cell each, every thread is ruined within 2 or 3 posts and whatever the subject it descends into an attack on MM, I just think it is pointless even trying to interact with something that couldn't even match a silverfish for common sense.

[loudnproud]

Ive got the upmost respect for Holloway...He was on his way for an interview when DS appointed Magilton and turned him back just outside Colchester...Good win and 3 points changes very little. MM is not being given the ammo to move this club forward. He is going through the motions and collecting his handsome pay check as any new manager that comes to this club will do.

It needs to change at the very top,Its as simple as that.Our owner cares very little about this club and its fans.If Evens had appointed MM from the outset,maybe we would be looking at a different picture.

[patthegimp]

Yep had made me stop and think
MM is doing the best he can with the lack of investment. As said many times before MM sees these players day in day out on the training pitch and this obviously influences his starting eleven and possibly explains his apparent reticence to bring in the younger players dozzell,benyu,McDonnell etc.
Time to give MM a break
COYB- onwards
and upwatds

[marko69]

Don't think Mick would've given ITFC a second glance in 2009, LnP. He had just been busy getting Wolves into the EPL season 09/10. Roy fking Keane was the preferred choice.

[marko69]

It is time to give MM a break, PTG......, but in reality he's only ever going to get a break if the team wins, as in 3-0 v QPR. The sh*t will hit the fan at the next loss and MM will bear the brunt of it, not Mevans.

[patthegimp]

Agree entirely Marko69 but as of now I will withhold critical posts of MM and applaud both players and manager irrespective of performance and result.Time for a bit of blind loyalty.COYB

[marko69]

I agree entirely. As a Hibernian supporter, it is ONLY blind loyalty!!

And I forgot to add,......, 611, j4CK, Mike....... Great conversation up there ^^^, good reasoned posts and enjoyed reading them. Reminded me of when I first joined...... Reasoned posts + Disco + Pants Storm....., place was fkn superb!

[herforder]

Far higher calibre of supporter on this forum! Passionate, opinionated, humorous (black or otherwise), and mostly retaining most of their brain cells!

Very true Herforder, it amazes me how different the 2 sites are. It is good that people respect others' views on here and while you get a few heated debates, many contributors speak and exchange views as though they actually know each other, not as strangers.

Despite - or, perhaps, because - having a far smaller posters' population, it's rare for conflicting opinions on here to result in personal attacks, or similar nonsense. Not so elsewhere!
I wouldn't like to think that anyone held back from posting through fear of intimidation.

As for IH's clearly heartfelt comments about MM's qualities, character and achievements here, I view them as direct crticism of ME's ambition and financial support. In effect laying out the constraints and realities of life in a way that MM never could/would.

[Dubai Blue]

Herforder, that last point is exactly it. The message between the lines.

[marko69]

I think Ollie needs to forget about that brotherly love for a while and pull his finger out.

[Shed on tour]

I think Ollie needs to forget about that brotherly love for a while and pull his finger out.

One thing is for sure Ollie won't be given the time to put things right at QPR as some managers at ITFC have been given by Evans in the past.

[Bluemike]

I think Ollie needs to forget about that brotherly love for a while and pull his finger out.

One thing is for sure Ollie won't be given the time to put things right at QPR as some managers at ITFC have been given by Evans in the past.

That could well answer why they have never won anything and we have.

[Shed on tour]

I think Ollie needs to forget about that brotherly love for a while and pull his finger out.

One thing is for sure Ollie won't be given the time to put things right at QPR as some managers at ITFC have been given by Evans in the past.

That could well answer why they have never won anything and we have.

Was talking to a QPR fan before the game at Loftus Road last season and he said the turnover of managers at the club recently is ridiculous.
Whatever we say or feel about Evans he has given his managers time when things have been going pear shaped, some might argue too much in the case of Keane and Jewell.

[Bluemike]

One day was too much for that b*stard keane.

[J4ck22]

Unfortunately I think Mick's days are numbered here. With each game we don't win there is an ever growing resentment towards him leading to a very toxic atmosphere and general feeling. Many fans are against him and unless he works another miracle and gets an immense run of form going, more and more will jump on until Evans is forced to do something.

[hallamblue]

I don't think Evans can sit back and watch the PR attendances continue to decline at the alarming rate that they are this season.

It won't be that long before they will be asking fans to buy ST for the next season. Not a hope tbh as long as this debacle continues.

[AzzurroMark]

Unfortunately I think Mick's days are numbered here. With each game we don't win there is an ever growing resentment towards him leading to a very toxic atmosphere and general feeling. Many fans are against him and unless he works another miracle and gets an immense run of form going, more and more will jump on until Evans is forced to do something.

Sadly I have to agree with that sentiment J4ck, football's "circle of life". Once a manager/team has lost many of the fans, there is usually only one inevitable outcome - a new manager! No doubt a 'war chest'will be made available to spend, but why not give it to MM? The only saving grace could be managing to string enough reasonable results together until the transfer window opens and then address the issues with investment in a couple of key signings (not loans), something that I feel is all that might be needed to steer this misfiring team onto better things. My belief is, no matter how frustrating this team is, it is still, as a squad, punching above it's weight, compared to other big spenders.
Call it blind loyalty, call it not spending a fortune following out team home and away, but I still believe MM is the best man going forward and that the ball is firmly in the court of Marcus Evans. He seems happy to keep his manager in place, a very commendable level of support, but funding that new acquisition is the key.

[hallamblue]

Problem is I dont think a "war chest" is being made available. So if MM isnt getting this money , no other Manager will either.

I think Evans is bored with his play thing now tbh, I may be wrong , but this January window will give a clear indication of Evans' intentions....and Micks!