Ipswich Town’s underwhelming 2016 in 9 images

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Despite friction with supporters, Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy remains defiant that he is the right man to take The Tractor Boys forward.

Picking up just three wins over the course of January and February, 2016 got off to a slow start for Mick McCarthy’s men.

Ipswich Manager Mick McCarthy

Picking up only four more wins that season, Ipswich Town did a remarkable job to finish 7th in the table, utilising the massive amount of draws that McCarthy’s side could grind out.

Ipswich Town’s Tommy Smith applauds fans after the game

A final day win against Derby County lifted spirits, but Ipswich Town knew they’d need to strengthen their dilapidated squad over the summer.

Ipswich Town’s David McGoldrick (C) celebrates

With little to spend though, Mick McCarthy would need to make shrewd signings, and chose to bring in names such as Adam Webster from Portsmouth and Grant Ward, a youngster from Tottenham Hotspur.

Ipswich Town’s Adam Webster in action against Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia (R)

Ipswich Town’s Grant Ward in action against Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia (R)

Grant Ward especially was an instant hit for Ipswich, scoring a hatrick on his debut in the Tractor Boys’ opening day 4-2 win against Barnsley, and impressing on a number of occasions this season.

Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United and Grant Ward of Ipswich Town in action

Over September and October however, Ipswich’s form was poor, as the club picked up only two wins, against Derby County and Burton Albion, the former thanks to a goal from former Rams striker, Luke Varney.

Ipswich Town’s Luke Varney (C) celebrates with teammates after he scores his sides first goal

Since November, Ipswich’s form has improved slightly, adding victories against Sheffield Wednesday, Queens Park Rangers, Wigan and Bristol City, but Tractor Boys fans still remain unconvinced about their side.

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy

With fans getting restless over the direction their team is heading, Ipswich Town face a potentially difficult 2017, as Mick McCarthy gets set for the next big battle of his managerial career: keeping his job.

Ipswich Town’s Luke Varney (L) and Manager Mick McCarthy shake hands after the final whistle