Town boss Mick McCarthy admitted that he is ready for a holiday after the Blues’ disappointing season ended with a 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest. The Blues manager added that his side, like Forest, who escaped relegation to League One on the final day have "not been good enough all season long".

McCarthy felt the final-day scoreline was harsh on the balance of the first period: “On the first-half performance it was. They guy on Sky just said we held them out, I didn’t think that was the case at all, I thought we were equally as good as them in the first half.

“They had a very good start, we got into the game and I was really pleased, then we just gave the most stupid penalty away.

“I’m not blaming Bart, he couldn’t do anything other than come for it. The defenders that allowed [Jamie Ward] to get in behind us from a throw-in, that was ridiculous.”

Did he think it was a penalty? “I haven’t looked at it that closely, but he’s given the penalty. He’s had to come out to try and punch it, as I remember. He shouldn’t have got there, it shouldn’t have been thrown in behind us, that’s the ridiculous nature of it and Bart’s had to come and deal with it, or try and deal with it.

“There’s no point in me arguing about it, he’s given the penalty. I’m more annoyed at the third goal. He’s given us a freekick, we fan out and try and play it, they get the ball back and he sticks in Assombalonga and he goes and scores. That was a bit annoying.”

What did he feel changed after the second half, did Forest have more of an edge as they were battling for their survival? “Probably. I tried to change it and went two up front and matched them, but it didn’t work. I thought Myles Kenlock had had a really tough first half so I gave Josh Emmanuel 45 minutes.

“They were [on top], certainly when they got the second goal, we gave it away and it ended up in our net.”

He added: “They were playing two up and I thought we’d match them up. It just didn’t manifest itself like that. But we gave the second goal away at that point, so we never really got a chance to get into it at all.”

Young full-backs Emmanuel and Kenlock have conceded three penalties between them in recent weeks, is that something they’ll have to learn from?

“We have been very fortunate with them that they’ve come through and got themselves in the team,” he added.

“But they’re still learning very much. They’ve only had about 15 starts between them or something, maybe a few more than that, I don’t know if they’ve had 20 or 30 starts between them, and that’s not a lot.

“They’re both very, very young, inexperienced but have got good potential and I think overall they’ve both had good seasons.

“But it starts to get to the end of the season and they get physically tired, mentally tired and they’ve both got to come back and be ready for a tough year next year.”

Might Town have had a penalty late on when Dominic Samuel looked to have been fouled by Matt Mills?

“I know Matt Mills has pulled him down because I’m a defender,” McCarthy said. “He messed it up and he threw himself across him.

“It’s a foul but it was at 3-0 that, so it was hardly going to change the scoreline dramatically. But I would still have taken the penalty, I would still like to have scored. I think it was a foul.”

McCarthy says he switched Christophe Berra for Adam Webster in the second half in part to give the former Portsmouth player some minutes on the field after his injury and partly so fans could pay tribute to the Scotland international, who could return home this summer.

“It was more a gesture to Adam to put him on and let him have 10 minutes and get a feel for it having had such a horrible injury,” he said.

“But also if it is Christophe’s last game it was nice that fans did give him a nice ovation and he’s deserved it because he’s been terrific.”

McCarthy included second-year scholar Flynn Downes on the bench but said it wasn’t the game to blood youngsters. However, he says the midfielder will have a chance of being involved with the first-team squad in pre-season.

“A very good chance, him and Tristan Nydam,” he said. “I’ve just said to him in the dressing room, it wasn’t a day for those guys. We had it all on with the experienced players on the pitch. But he’s got a really good chance.

“All-round, technically he’s a really good football, he’s athletic, he puts his foot in, he’ll compete, he’s a real competitor and he’s a winner on the pitch.

“He comes over and he shows no respect for the first team, he comes and dumps them on their backsides if they need dumping on their backsides. I love that about him.

“And Tristan the same, there are a number of them. Unfortunately they’re all central midfield players coming through. Dozzer’s still having to grow up in a tough year for the club. But they’ll be good players in the end.”

What did he say to his players after the match? “The general gist of it was ‘Thank you’. It’s interesting, isn’t it? We’re here today and it’s a bit like Nottingham Forest have won the league today. It’s like their FA Cup final, it’s their league, it’s brilliant. It was either going to be a wake or a celebration and up until the penalty it could very easily been a wake.

“And good for them, good for Mark Warburton, but we had our day at Burton and we had our day against Newcastle. Why are they where they are, why are we where we are? We’ve not been good enough all season long.

“That game’s probably summed our season up, to be honest, some good, some bad, some indifferent.”

Is he now ready for a holiday? “I certainly am and I think everybody else is. That was the gist of the conversation and ultimately to say thanks to them. We’ve done what Nottingham Forest have done and we’ve done it earlier than them. We could have been looking for points today.

“Chambo as a captain and the rest of the lads, I’m not saying they’ve been great playing and results and performances-wise but as a squad of lads, as a bunch of lads they’ve been great. They’ve stuck together and made sure we weren’t in Nottingham Forest’s position today.”

Forest boss Mark Warburton was delighted that his side escaped the drop with Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn relegated despite their 3-1 win at Brentford.

“We showed a lot of character, we deserved the win and the victory and I am delighted for the players and the fans; their support today was outstanding,” he said.

“The vow is we must never allow Forest to be in this situation again. It can’t happen. The last five or six weeks, the relegation dog fight, is not what we are about. Remember the feeling and the relief we feel now and that must not happen again.”

Photo: TWTD

therein61 added 16:42 - May 7 I don't need a holiday Mick as I am well rested and sleepy watching the dire football I have witnessed home and away this season.
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Michael11 added 16:46 - May 7 An embarrassing end to an embarrassing season. We should've just forfeited the game and given them an automatic 3-0 win. Not one of our players could give a toss today and his comments there probably sum up why, because he doesn't care either. Non-existent tactics/formation as always. Disgraceful slap in the face to all the fans who made the journey despite having such a bad season. Relegation fodder next year unless we make major changes throughout the club/management/owner. I've never been so glad for a season to be over!

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muccletonjoe added 16:48 - May 7 Go
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surgery added 16:51 - May 7 I know that I'm going to be crucified for saying this, but I believe this person to be a worse manager and lesser person than his two predecessors and, for one reason or another, that takes some doing. Maybe I missed it, but not once in this interview was there any hint of this seasons debacle being anything to do with him
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OldClactonBlue added 16:57 - May 7 He doesn't deserve a holiday.
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cornishblu added 16:58 - May 7 Equally as good......as a team that today could have got relegated.....wow the standards MM sets are high ....still enjoy your holiday with the high pay packet our deluded owner still gives you ....just sooooooo embarrassing
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bluearmy78 added 17:01 - May 7 What game was Mick watching, Kenlock I thought had a solid game all apart from losing his man which resulted in a penalty, didn't deserve to be subbed!! Time for him to go, Evans if you're not going to give him funds to strengthen the squad then just pay him off & get a Manager in who plays the game the right way!'m
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surgery added 17:02 - May 7 Ready for a holiday! Horsewhipping home the length of the A12 is too good for you
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Swn98 added 17:02 - May 7 Surgery?
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martin587 added 17:04 - May 7 MM,you should be ashamed of yourself for what you have done to the club this season.You have achieved absolutely nothing and yet you still don't take responsibility for all your mistakes.!!
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surgery added 17:06 - May 7 Swn98. I fear too much time in the sun and too much sangria may have pickled you
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Sam added 17:14 - May 7 Thank goodness that's done. Can't see us moving on like this. Ipswich need to convince ME to sack Mcarthy, but how and why in the world hasn't it happened yet. Moan all you like, but the change will not be made in management.
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dirtydingusmagee added 17:16 - May 7 HE needs a break !, BLOODY HELL , MICK WHY DONT YOU POKE US ALL IN THE EYE WITH A BURNT STICK, its sickening . Just thinking of that smug t##t sunning himself somewhere nice after this season makes me want to puke .
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DurhamTownFan added 17:19 - May 7 The only bad thing kenlock did was switch off for their throw and Bart then conceded the penalty. That kind of thing can happen for a young lad. Hauling him off cos you're angry will just destroy his confidence. Awful man management
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Warkys_Tash added 17:23 - May 7 What a rubbish season. I can't see pre-season giving us any cheer. Nothing will change. Already another boring pre-season is lined up. Cheap & dull. Ending the season with 3 defeats on the bounce is no way to prepare for next. Evans won't spend, McCarthy won't change. I predict Pittman will be the first senior first choice to leave, cutting the wage bill.
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mickeyjb added 17:23 - May 7 So we really have to put up with this again next year???? Why keep him, he will be gone early next season when we play the same with the same results. Get rid now and give someone a change to sort some respectability whilst they can. Instead this muppet will continue to do nothing. Great last payday for him I guess. What other club, realistically, would want MM now??? Past it manager and it's always gone sour no matter what club. I want him gone on his own accord, now

7

grumpyoldman added 17:24 - May 7 “Chambo as a captain and the rest of the lads, I'm not saying they've been great playing and results and performances-wise but as a squad of lads, as a bunch of lads they've been great. They've stuck together and made sure we weren't in Nottingham Forest's position today.” That paragraph sums him up as long as you are a great lad you're ok, that's what counts in his eyes. Most managers judge their players by the way they play, the results, the overall performance not our resident genius.

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Kesblue66 added 17:34 - May 7 Dont b well come back.
2

TimmyH added 17:34 - May 7 Battle of the sh@t teams it was today and to lose 3-0 says it all...build from the back around Webster/Smith/Chambers and lets face it almost the entire midfield needs a clear out, just hope Dozzell and Bishop have a good summer training because unless dear old Evans opens his wallet the midfield looks devoid of anything. Oh! at least we have a new 7 figure striker to look forward to joining us in the summer (as diddly squat happened in January). :) Optimism for next season at an all time low with MM staying.

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Pencilpete added 17:47 - May 7 So if the last 25 minutes of a dead rubber where the result is known beyond all doubt is not the right time to blood a youngster and give him a taste of first team football - then when is ??
10

shakytown added 17:50 - May 7 How can anyone possibly want this moron to stay???? Relegation will be the only option next season with the chump in charge. The whole club needs a fresh start and the first thing needs to be the managers removal followed by a frank appraisal of the playing roster as to which players are actually good enough for this league.
13

Battyboy added 17:55 - May 7 Please make it a long holiday!
4

blackcat added 17:56 - May 7 Shame Jeff Stelling isn't an Ipswich supporter He'd off gone by now,😁
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MicksZzzTactics added 18:07 - May 7 I actually meant to have posted the the majority of the following much earlier, like say on the at the time much more appropriate TWTD article from this Friday, but not only have urgent work-related stuff repeatedly got me somewhat distracted from doing so ... but oh also there was the sadly appearing "little" necessity to for on a rare occasion TWICE! vehemently not only merely "succumbing" to defend myself as a person but also defending my ITFC integrity & ITFC fan honor, elsewhere here on TWTD! But anyways that's all passé (hopefully), so here it is folks! and especially of interest to those that opt to exclusively get their ITFC news from TWTD only .... as 3 of the 4 following ultra volatile etc. MM quotes which appeared in EADT/IES version of the above linked-to TWTD article & interview, to my knowledge seemingly didn't appear on TWTD's abbreviated take on it here: http://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/31651/mccarthy-confident-of-owner-evanss Now why exactly Phil & Co. seemingly just flat-out omitted those at least 2 of these 3 statements, is truly beyond me!!!, particularly the last that I labelled no. 4 (which is not only mind-boggling arrogant and blind to MM's own excessive Mea Culpa! in this immensely depressing season, but it's also just overly self-confident up to the point where one gets the real scary sense that him staying is already a mutual Done Deal!). But ehmmm since I'm at the very least temporarily all DONE! with speculating on TWTDs possible "ulterior" motives in their journalism lol ... you have to ask them very politely :-) yourself if anyone else really think these odd omissions requires any sort of straight explanation! 1) "I don't go home and worry about what anybody might be saying, whether they think I'm a bad manager or a bad coach, because I've proved, pretty much categorically, that's not the case!" 2) "If anything, the one person who has had faith and belief in me has been Marcus. And why wouldn't he? WHEN I'VE PROVED WHAT I CAN DO." (This particular statement does in fact appear in the TWTD article, however the direct quote of the at the very end appearing MM 'punch-line', differs (as outlined in bold) considerable from EADT/IES?!) 3) "I think he's right to put his faith in me. I think it's thoroughly deserved!" 4) “I will, absolutely, be back and ready for it again though on June 26. There is noooooooooooo reason why I shouldn't." ??????????!!!!!!!!!! Aye as I stated earlier this week the pathological obsessed with padding himself on the back and also somewhat obsessed with his & his archaic negative football's own falsely perceived infallibility as in him always being more or less exonerable! (i.e. especially lately it's either something or someone else's general fault whenever we don't succeed isn't it?) Mr. Mick "I don't give a flying f@ck about you luvable fans" McCarthy fundamentally is very very CERTIFIABLE as the "poor sod" clearly is suffering from an actual very serious mental disorder ... and then some! Sadly though I'm 99% certain he is not only not going absolutely nowhere now, and if for no other personal reason then exactly as he himself have alluded to then just to predominantly just DEFY his large and steadily growing number of "enemies", but as a small-time Betting Man I'm also quite ready to bet say £ 50 on that MM gets offered to exercise his 2 year option sometime just before it's deadline say around the end of the year, obviously because Marvelous Marcus simply must just luuuuve his brotherly-like ultra deluded style plus cozy willingness to seemingly not question or DEMAND anything in particular including of course most notably up until now having to swim along with very little transfer funds available, which all-in-all must be right up ME's inner Ebenezer Scrooge-like alley! May the Football Gods truly have mercy on us the poor ITFC fans' success & entertainment starved souls!

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runaround added 18:27 - May 7 So Mick says it wasn't the game to play youngsters when discussing Downes & said he had all the experienced on the pitch. This is who he trusts & believes in, yet second half we were awful! Just shows how wrong he is now getting it. Without either a new manager or MM having a massive change in tactics to a more attacking entertaining style, next season will see less fans, no atmosphere apart from a bad one & a relegation struggle. Mick seems sure in himself that he's staying but I still have the small hope that ME will shock him in their much vaunted talks. Whatever happens the next 4 months are massive to the future of ITFC, no improvement & we're going down

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