Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has done a good job on a tight budget – but is it time for The Tractor Boys to move on at the end of the season?
Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy
Operating in the managerial world since 1992, Mick McCarthy is a man with pedigree and experience. Achieving promotions with Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers, both of which ended in his sides finishing top of the league, McCarthy’s expert know-how at this level makes him one of the best and most experienced managers in the Championship.
However, after taking over at Ipswich Town in 2012, the former Republic of Ireland manager has struggled to push the Tractor Boys on, with some even claiming that the club are very steadily regressing under McCarthy’s regime.
Sat 17th in the table, The Tractor Boys’ current standing is just not acceptable for a club of their size and history. However, how much of the blame here lies with Mick McCarthy and his team?
In truth, the former Sunderland and Wolves manager has had to work on a measly, shoestring budget, and has at times done very well to bring in decent players on the cheap. The recent signing of Grant Ward would be one example of a decent, inexpensive transfer made by McCarthy. As would previous acquisitions of players such as Christophe Berra and the loan signing of Tom Lawrence this season. McCarthy has a real eye for a player, and a real eye for a bargain.
Ipswich’s Tom Lawrence takes a freekick
But it can’t be denied that the side are going backwards. Or, at least, downwards. After fighting for promotion two seasons ago, The Tractor Boys are now fighting off the possibility of relegation, and are playing some awful football too.
Slow, turgid, and making themselves look like they’re playing on mud at times, Ipswich Town are running out of ideas, and fans are, quite rightly, fed up. Some voting with their feet. Others calling for a change at the top.
So which way do Ipswich Town turn? Things have to change, but should that be at a managerial level, or should the club start dishing out a bit more money on the playing squad? A change could see them do a Huddersfield Town and start powering up the league. Or, it could see them do a Birmingham City, whose fans still wish Gary Rowett was still at the helm.
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy
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