Boss Mick McCarthy has refused to get drawn into “pub discussions” regarding the balance of his midfield, fans having been debating the Blues’ results with and without Cole Skuse in recent days, the Bristolian, a fixture in the side throughout the Town manager's time at Portman Road, having missed the 3-0 home victory over Wigan on Tuesday and also games during the improved run in February.

McCarthy, not overly enamoured at having Internet discussions brought up at his press conference, said: “It’s always the same, when you win everything looks a lot better. The players who are not in and are sat in the stand behind me are never as good as the ones on the pitch when we win.

“And when we’re not winning all the ones on the pitch are shite and everybody behind me is better, all the kids and all the academy should be playing. That’s why I don’t read it.”

Pressed further on the balance of the midfield, which fans have discussed throughout the season, he added: “I’ll pop into the pub and discuss plastering and electronics and roadworks because I tell you, there are a lot of potholes around. If I find some of them chaps around I’ll ask them how they’re fixing them!

“I know nobody discusses that but I’m not having pub discussions in here. That’s why I don’t go to the pub either, and listen to all that nonsense.”

He added: “And by the way, Cole Skuse has been brilliant since he walked through the door four years ago. He’s just been outstanding.

“I remember him getting a bit of booing as well, he got a bit of a digging out. Maybe they are getting bored of him and maybe they’re getting bored of [Christophe] Berra, maybe they’re getting bored of the ones who are around.

“I’m sure it does [happen], but they’ve all been very, very reliable and good servants to the club.”

Skuse, 31, will again be absent when the Blues travel to Fulham on Saturday, due to the concussion he suffered during Saturday's draw with Birmingham.

Photo: TWTD

TR11BLU added 17:08 - Apr 6 You are unbelievable Dino Just pi$$ off now
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BlueArrow added 17:10 - Apr 6 The more he opens his mouth the more comfortable I get sat in my seat at home
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TractorWood added 17:15 - Apr 6 Shock as MM overstates the average contribution of players.
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OwainG1992 added 17:15 - Apr 6 I remember I used to always stick up for big Mick. It's impossible these days! Such a negative man.
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Mark added 17:17 - Apr 6 Why is the manager getting so defensive and prickly about this, he should be able to have a sensible conversation about the midfield. The midfield has been poor most of the season, but was much better Tuesday. I am sure if his plastering was lumpy, his electronics on the blink and roadworks blocked his journey he would moan himself. As for Skuse, we are not bored of him and not saying he should not be included it is the selection of TWO defensive midfielders that annoys fans as it is plain to see the ball keeps going backwards then and we do not attack properly. Just compare the performance against Birmingham with Douglas/Skuse and against Wigan with Diagouraga. Surely we the manager should be able to talk about why that improvement occured?!

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jas0999 added 17:17 - Apr 6 Goes out of his way again to upset and slate the fans or customers as we are known by the Marcus Evans Group.
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madmouse1959 added 17:21 - Apr 6 Defending his decision in putting out defensive teams that have played piss-poor football and chasing shadows mostly in our own half. This man has watched these incredibly boring games like we have and STILL put these poor players in the team. Just watch the attendances rise when McCarthy leaves this club!!!
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Swailsey added 17:23 - Apr 6 For the first time, I really think MM comes across as an a** here, re. asking about potholes etc.
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Taricco_Fan added 17:25 - Apr 6 Another swipe at the fans, bemoaning something that all fans do at every club since time immemorial. He really doesn't care any more. He will walk next month.
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Bluetone added 17:29 - Apr 6 What a stubborn arrogant little man McCarthy is. Just go Dino and take your overblown ego with you.
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itfchorry added 17:31 - Apr 6 Not bothered what you say anymore as you only have 6 games left -
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Ferguson added 17:34 - Apr 6 Ah Potholes. Played for Real Madrd I think. As for Real Potholes - a lack of long term investment's to blame, along with the SENIOR managers who decide how to use the money they have got. Not the blokes who mend the 'oles. Or the taxpayers who fork out for a decent service.
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TractorCam added 17:35 - Apr 6 Pub conversations? I'd imagine a conversation which regards the vital component of the team which is finally looking positive after 5 years under Mick should be top of the list. Oh, but it focuses around his best buddy in a negative light, nevermind.
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peewee added 17:39 - Apr 6 Might not want to have pub discussions but it's ok to play pub tactics
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yungblue added 17:40 - Apr 6 He is such an arrogant man. Do you think Man Utd fans got bored of Sir Alex, no way. Do oh think Spanish fans are bored of Del bosque, no way. A bit far fetched, but ultimately it's because they did what they had to get success. If that meant dropping Wayne Rooney, sir Alex would do it. The problem this man has is he is to arrogant to change his ways, hence no success. Hence why you are not the man to be at the helm of ITFC, you are the problem.

9

WeWereZombies added 17:52 - Apr 6 100% agree with Mick on this one - fed up having to drive all over the road to avoid potholes. People in the News Comments don't know what they are talking about.
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carsey added 18:01 - Apr 6 What I'm bored with McCarthy is you constantly doing the same thing that doesn't work. Constantly selecting players out of position. Constantly claiming certain players are or have done well. You can dismiss the fans thoughts as much as you like but the fact remains you have got it wrong more times than you have got it right this season and but for Murphy's goals last season we wouldn't have been close to the playoffs. If you were really any good a top team would be after you but they don't want a dinosaur in charge because no matter how much money you had your style would be out of date and you wouldn't win anything.

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therein61 added 18:03 - Apr 6 Mr Skuse finds a pothole in every game he just runs around in circles and can't get out, it beggars belief that Mick defends this man thinking he's been great for the last 4 years! you won't listen to conversations about the midfield because you are always right(I'm great me!!??) and that Sir is your biggest fault and will be your downfall kindly go away before you take us down with you.

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ipswich4life added 18:04 - Apr 6 Cant stand him,day he leaves i'll be celebrating like we just got promoted,most arrogant bloke in football.
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J45 added 18:06 - Apr 6 Is the PR manager Steven finch because he clearly hasn't been found yet!!
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cat added 18:09 - Apr 6 "DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE" MM's full of shat! just another chance to wind us fans up. I ain't buying into this one bit. Great to see the 2 fingers again, I have to honestly say that this is by far the most entertainment we will get from our beloved Dino, so enjoy it, I do!!!!!
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therein61 added 18:13 - Apr 6 In every recent comment he has made he is hell bent on alienating the fans well big man you did that ages ago (with your so called great job you are doing here) it sounds like you are trying your best to incite hostility towards you so that you can run to Marcus and say please pay me off(like some players you paid off who are better than some of your proper blokes in the side now!!) nobody loves me anymore!!!!!!

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cfmoses added 18:25 - Apr 6 How much worse can it get! The guy is so lost in his own ego he only cares for himself. And he is probably having a laugh doing it. I have never had such distaste for an ITFC manager and when I think back to Keane and Jewell that says it all. If we are safe for the last home game I call upon all supporters to boycott the game. MM deserves no more.
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ChrisFelix added 18:42 - Apr 6 Matt Holland was brilliant for Ipswich, so so was Magilton to some extent but Skues. No way, an average championship player let down by his inability to get into the opponents box & create / score goals
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warktheline added 18:58 - Apr 6 McCarthy's baiting of the fans goes on and on....as I stated after the Wigan game, McCarthy would start crowing and play one upsmanship on the paying fan! Never give this man any sympathy, cos he'll always stick it too you at every opportunity!
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