The Preston North End manager has said McCarthy is doing a ‘fantastic’ job at Portman Road
Preston North End manager Simon Grayson has backed Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy
As quoted by the Lancashire Evening Press, Preston North End manager Simon Grayson has publicly backed his opposite number Mick McCarthy ahead of his side’s clash with Ipswich this weekend.
McCarthy has come under increasing pressure from the Tractor boys faithful after his side’s poor start to the new campaign, with Ipswich so far claiming just one win from their opening five competitive fixtures, a run that saw the Suffolk club dumped out of the EFL Cup by relative minnows Stevenage in the first round.
And McCarthy snapped last week when questioned about supporter discontent, saying at one point that he wished fans would ‘call it to my face on our own because his pint of lager, he’d have been wearing it’, as quoted by the East Anglican Daily Times.
Frustrated: Ipswich Manager Mick McCarthy
The Ipswich boss was frustrated with fluctuating fan expectations, describing they go “up and down like a bloody fiddler’s elbow” and that he is “alright one week and I’m not the next.”
But Grayson has come out in support of the former Wolves boss, saying he is doing a ‘fantastic job’ at Portman Road.
Simon Grayson’s Preston have one win to their name so far this season
“Ipswich have been a Premier League club in the past and have come back down the Championship and been very close to play-offs and are trying to get back up.” Grayson said. “Full credit to Mick he’s done a fantastic job there.
“When you have success people want even more success and it’s not always easy to replicate because lots of other clubs are trying to do the same.
“He’ll keep working away to do what’s best for the football club, like any manager would.”
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy will be hoping for a win to ease the pressure
Ipswich narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season by virtue of their seventh place finish, with the last spot going to Sheffield Wednesday.
They welcome a Preston side who finally got off the mark for the new campaign last week with an excellent 2-0 win away at Queens Park Rangers.
They are also through to the Third Round of the EFL Cup, after overcoming Oldham during the week.
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