Striker Freddie Sears admitted he’d never heard home fans berate their manager in the manner that sections of the Blues support did during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with bottom of the table Rotherham and says all the players are firmly behind boss Mick McCarthy.

Some supporters in the Sir Bobby Robson Stand sang, “Mick McCarthy, your football is s–t” during what was a frustrating second period until David McGoldrick’s late, late goal which salvaged a point.

“I have never heard home supporters have a go at a manager like that, to be honest,” the striker, who opened the scoring in the third minute, said afterwards. “It is disappointing but that is up to the fans. Everyone in the changing room is behind the gaffer.

“If you’re winning games then they will be singing the gaffer’s name. He won’t be worried about that, he is big enough, old enough and been round the block enough to cope with all that.

“That’s football, one day you are a hero, the next you are not. It is difficult but it is down to us to put in the performances and play for the manager.”

He added: “The gaffer sets us up to win games, he doesn’t set us up to lose games and we are behind him and we go out there to win.

"We had a right go and it was a shame we could not get more goals in the first half.”

Regarding the boring football claims, the 26-year-old said: “I’m not going to stand here and say the football is boring because this is the team I play for and I’m enjoying it.

“There was a lot of good stuff in the first half but obviously in the second half the football was not as good so fans could say it was boring.

“We have some really good players here with the likes of Bishop and McGoldrick, so the fans expect better football sometimes and we have to try and do that. It is not always easy against teams in the Championship because everyone is fighting for points.

“Rotherham were gobbling up time as early as the first half and you can’t blame them. They have a new manager and are going again. We have to forget about this and go again against Sheffield Wednesday.”

McCarthy reiterated that he had no plans to move on following the game and owner Marcus Evans is currently unlikely to be considering making a change.

Reflecting on the way the game progressed, Sears continued: “We started well. The gaffer wanted us to have a fast start and we did that. We got the early goal, but it was a shame they equalised straight away.

“We played really well first half but they got a goal quickly in the second half and we struggled.”

Sears's third-minute goal was his second in three games following on from his 38-match run without finding the net.

“I was always confident I could score goals,” he said. “Sometimes your confidence is not sky high but I played up front and scored a goal. So it shows if you play up front you will score a goal because you get more chances.

“I felt I linked well with Didzy and enjoyed playing up front. We changed the shape second half and so Didzy came from deep and it was a great strike. We know what he can do and he saved us.

“We have shown great character to come back against a team with a new manager who are scrapping away. I’m not sure how long they will be bottom.

“It was tough to break them down, they got in front and defended deep so it was a massive relief to get that goal and get a point.”

He added: “We are feeling the pressure at home, you can see that. We scored two and did well against Burton recently and we got the early goal this time and everyone was up.

“But they scored and the fans weren’t happy. They came here expecting us to beat Rotherham and it just didn’t happen for us.”

MIllers' striker Danny Ward, on target twice for the visitors, admitted that McGoldrick’s late goal was tough to take.

“It feels like a defeat, although the overall performance was solid, it was gutting to see that goal go in at the end,” the 24-year-old said.

“It was a great strike and it took that to beat us. It was a much better performance from us, and the manager [Kenny Jackett] has made a difference in a short time. We have been far more solid and compact and we have dealt with second balls better.”

Despite Rotherham remaining bottom of the table, still eight points from safety, Ward has already taken his season’s total to eight.

“My job is to keep scoring goals so I’m happy to be doing that,” he added. “I know if I keep working the chances will come and I need to be there.

“I said at the start of season I was capable of getting 20 goals and I now have eight before November, so I have to be happy with that. I have to keep working hard for the team.

“Things have not clicked for the team but things are starting to and personally I feel capable of scoring more.”

Had things panned out differently, Ward could have been wearing a Town shirt on Saturday, Blues boss McCarthy having targeted him in the summer of 2014.

“It was a while ago that McCarthy and the gaffer [Jackett] tried to sign me while he was at Wolves and I was at Huddersfield,” he recalled.

“Neither materialised for one reason or another but now it is good to be able to work with him. I like his style, it suits me and I’m looking forward to it.

“Nothing got agreed with Ipswich or Wolves but I have no regrets. I’m happy because I know we have plenty of good players at this club and we can turn things around.”

Meanwhile, Town's U23s are in action against Watford at Vicarage Road this afternoon (KO 2pm).

Photo: TWTD

JohnStirk added 13:12 - Oct 31 Shameful performance by the North Stand on Saturday. I don't think Sir Bobby would have been very impressed.
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blue75 added 13:16 - Oct 31 To Mick Mills Tache's list you can add Justin Edinburgh and Karl Robinson.
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BasingstokeBranch added 13:25 - Oct 31 It was certainly coming from stands other than just the North Stand. I could hear if from across Churchmans where I was and from down the sides too. Disappointing to hear such negativity during the game. I'm all for protesting as much as you like after the game if that's the way you feel but for Christ's sake get behind the lads for the 90 minutes. I remember the 'Duncan Out' campaign of 1990, support for the team during the game and then a barrage of anti-Duncan protests afterwards. That's the way to do it.

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blueinblue added 13:45 - Oct 31 Remember when we used to have class OFF the pitch, however things were on it? Mindless idiots ruined that, completely unjustifiable.
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evansblue added 13:53 - Oct 31 Mick Mills Tache's and blue75 - I appreciate the names you have provided. The truth is managing in league one or two is far easier than the Championship where the gulf in finances is so wide. Who knows, maybe one of those does have what's required to succeed at a higher level but it would be a huge gamble for us to go for one of those names right now. The team on Saturday looked ok in the fist half and I see no reason to panic quite yet.

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ip5w1ch added 14:03 - Oct 31 It was a blessed relief the Suffolk Radio phone lines weren't working after the game on Saturday so some sense actually got spoken. Mick Mills summed it up nicely when he said he didn't think the manager was solely to blame for the performances and he said the players look cautious when in possession of the ball. He also said he didn't think McCarthy should go. Clearly in the first half we played much better with Dids in the team and Sears found some good positions in behind the defence. Second half we cocked up defending a long throw and then panicked. In addition Rotherham defended very deep with little space available to pass the ball. That whole game is symptomatic of the league with barely any side, I've seen at PR, playing attacking passing football. The only team was Burton and we beat them two nil without playing well. I do share the general frustration that the performances have been dour of late. However I will stick with them as it's still early in the season and with support we'll turn this around. Anyone who is on here reading the comments and thinking everyone wants Mick out well I don't believe the majority do. Final thing, I don't get all the vitriol about McCarthy being arrogant. He's not arrogant he just says what he thinks and gives honest answers. If you don't like it….well frankly who cares.

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TimmyH added 14:19 - Oct 31 I do agree that booing isn't hugely going to help circumstances from the Manager and players perspective but as paying supporters we do have the right to get our views across but I'm not sure booing is the thing to do (maybe some old rotten vegetables could have been an alternative). Agree with the second post re: the club rolling out a player to the press regarding this issue but surely Freddie must have witnessed booing at the Western Community Stadium?...hold on it is difficult to hear 6 or 7 people whilst on that pitch :)

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blueinblue added 15:04 - Oct 31 I don't think it was the booing he he was referring to, neither was I in my previous!
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alfromcol added 15:11 - Oct 31 ip5w1ch I seem to recall MM finishing off a lot of his press conferences with words similar to yours " If you don't like it….well frankly who cares. " You obviously don't recognise arrogance
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NoelTheDub added 15:16 - Oct 31 Supporters at this club have been to bloody quiet that is why its gone so bad on and of the pitch.We have seen very little investment from big transfer monies that have been got over the last few years and been told to support your team that is dying right in front of our eyes.Sometimes you have to be heard to get it fixed and about time someone up stairs looks out at the empty seats and asks the manager why before its to late..

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FromIpswichToPhoenix added 15:39 - Oct 31 Sears went almost 40 games without a goal as he was played out of position and had no one to feed him the ball. He had to be as frustrated as the fans. His job is to score goals and he could not do his job. How can he be surprised at fan response when he himself has been a victim of bad management? Just because he gets paid regardless of how well he does his job, you can't expect fans to keep cheering when the team is drawing with bottom of the table teams.

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Michael11 added 15:56 - Oct 31 @Blue75 Justin Edinburgh yes, Karl Robinson NOOOO!!!! The bloke is a fraud. Done nothing in 6 years at MK Dons with one of the higher budgets in L1. Took them up for one year and straight back down. He only gets linked with jobs because he's young.
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Vizslaraner added 15:58 - Oct 31 It's called coaching and getting the right players in! We now have players that are capable of doing it, it's just that MCCarthy knows no other way. As someone said, he will fight fires as he did at wolves and Sunderland then he hits a brick wall. The wolves fans said exactly what we have now. He still thinks 1970-1980's football is the way. You dnt need to spend big to play nice football, you coach and get a system and a set of players who can play it. There is the nucleus of a side here now but it won't change alas he hasn't got a clue. I'm not saying I want Burley before someone says it but he managed it on peanuts and royle on even less. I like many many others want to see a team to be proud whatever league we are in. Derek Adams for me and Paul cook another good shout. Built teams on nothing and money doesn't guarantee anything. Both trying to make a name for themselves in the game and hungry to succeed. We need someone like this to come in a build a team around the likes of Bart, Webster, ward, bishop, dozell and sears. If you count the young fullbacks and other players like Williams and Lawerence if we could get them there is plenty to get on with. Another huge plus is they have managed in the lower leagues and know who to get that would compliment what we have, unlike Mr Dull who's scouting network is non exsistent.

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oldelsworthyfan added 16:01 - Oct 31 Expect MM to survive until Christmas. Only then will ME review the situation - before the transfer window opens. However, at the current stage of the season in the Championship a few wins can propel most teams into the playoffs, but don't hold your breath!
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Vizslaraner added 16:15 - Oct 31 Oldelsworthyfan - Unfortunately I fear your right, nothing will happen til then. Shame as a new man now would have time to assess and get ready for Jan window knowing what he needs. My other fear is will he just ring his mate redknapp for advice on who to get! He did with jewell and this one
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tim added 16:19 - Oct 31 These shrill comments about Freddie lying in his statement are total lunacy. It's obvious that the team is behind Mick, whether we like it or not. This will probably change the more they are booed, but when that happens, itfc are not going to bribe a player to make false statements supporting the manager! Come on! What planet are you on?!I understand the frustration - I feel it - but pettiness and spreading rumours is indicative of a very low EQ.

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dugoutdave added 16:33 - Oct 31 ip5w1ch : I agree with you in that Mick Mills said he didn't think McCarthy should go. However he left me in no doubts with his other comments that he doesn't like him. I think the media role Mills has precludes him from saying what he really thinks. However I suspect you also heard that he thinks MM's character is too strong for the the team and that no-one dare go against the way he wants to play. He said when he was playing, when the tactics didn't work, the players themselves changed it. He gave me the impression that Chambers simply wasn't, character-wise, able to stand up to him. Given the level of arrogance shown by MM in that 'you'll do it my way or no way' Mills may be right. Changing subject to Skuse I was watching him in my own player cam way. I would be very grateful if someone who undoubtedly knows more about football than I do can advise me what, apart from pointing, he actual does. I couldn't see anything which warrants him being in the team and certainly he couldn't put a head on a pint of beer, let alone head a ball. .

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planetblue_2011 added 17:11 - Oct 31 Well where can you start with this football club, to be honest Saturdays game was awful and McGoldrick has saves Micks bacon, then again it's right what Sears says Mick picks the side he thinks should win the game, it's the players at fault at the end of the day. I know our tactics, formations are bad at times and how we don't play football. Surely with McGoldrick, Williams, Bishop being fit still got Pitman to come back he's finally playing Sears upfront where he is scoring again. We should improve we have the likes of Lawrence, Ward & Grant, Webster the young full backs it's a good squad, we just need to click again and I'm sure mick is the man to do it. Who else is there of his managerial status? he has done well till now. The style of football does need to change and with the players we have I'm sure it will change for the good. Sign up Ward in january he gave Berra a headache all afternoon on sat, great player. I think the main problem is Evans he's not given mick no where near enough money compared to Jewell & Keane. He has done well with his signings this season. If Evans wants this club in the premier league don't you think we would be challenging with loads of money avaliable to spend. He's our problem we need a sheepshanks type of chairman again putting all his love into ITFC!!!

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Seasider added 17:14 - Oct 31 Yes Tony 88,'Rambling Sid'does tend to be a bit verbose,doesn't he; must have a lot of time on his hands. I tend to post at length sometimes;but hope I am bit more succinct and on message,and don't go off at a tangent. Agree with most of what he/she says though.
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ronnyd added 17:40 - Oct 31 MiickZzzTactics, Blimey mate, you dooooo go on. Why use one word when ten will do. But , the bottom line is you are mostly correct.
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jas0999 added 17:49 - Oct 31 Oh dear Freddie. Disappointing is it? Well, what's disappointing as you put it, is hard working fans paying out premium prices to watch the low quality product on offer at ITFC. Evans has continued to increase prices, whilst the quality has decreased significantly. Boring, dull and uninspiring. In the meantime Evans has flogged key assets like Wickham, Cresswell, Mings and Murphy - raking in millions - but not reinvesting any of it - unless of course you believe the yarn that these profits were spent on wages and the running of the club. Sorry state of affairs of what once used to be a club with a very proud tradition. Evans simply doesn't care.

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blue75 added 17:54 - Oct 31 evansblue George Burley came from Colchester and I think he did a good job.
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WindsorBlueArmy added 18:10 - Oct 31 Good to read some of the common sense/positive comments regarding Saturdays game.I was in the Sir Bobby Robson Lower and it certainly wasn't everyone chanting(general feeling around me was fine venting your thoughts/anger but wait until the final whistle).Listening to Mick Mills on my drive home made a lot of sense.Yes the manager is responsible for tactics but players have to use common sense and initiative.There is no-one forcing the ball to be played sideways or backwards;look what happened to the game when Williams came on.It was also a breath of fresh air listening to the Leiston manager who when asked about a 16 year old playing replied if hes good enough hes old enough!!!!We have a talented squad(potentially better than 2 years ago when we made the play offs with Anderson,Noel Hunt,Stephen Hunt,Tabb,Chaplow etc)Building a team around Bialakowski,Webster,Emmanuel,Hunt,Bishop,Ward,Williams,Sears,Dozzell would,I'm sure,bring that sense of excitement back which has been missing for 18 months.I,like many,will continue to supportboth home and away,looking forward to the good times returning!!!For those willing MM to leave I for one would seriously like to see some potential names in the frame.

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blueboy1981 added 18:23 - Oct 31 ......... like it, or not - from a supporters point we are one of the softest Clubs in the entire Football League to manage and play for. We never were - that's the huge difference between then, and now. How many Clubs would have supporters who, even now, condone the current plight..... as they do ? I feel there is a fear factor running thro' the entire Club - employees, players, etc; etc; - generally speaking people who are, scared almost to say a word against any of the head honcho's....... Thankfully, as was seen and heard on Saturday, we are not ALL like it. COYB -of yesteryear - real soon.

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Dissboyitfc added 18:34 - Oct 31 ip5w1ch... Mick Mills said quite a few things on sat after the game , he also said chambers was a good RB WTF. He of all people should know a full back when he sees one! Mick Mills maybe a legend but he speaks some sense and a load of Tosh at times.
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