No Ipswich player knows Mick McCarthy better than Daryl Murphy, who was signed for Sunderland by the new Town boss.
That was in June 2005, ironically at a time when then Ipswich manager Joe Royle was also showing interest but was unable to follow it up with hard cash.
More than seven years on the pair have been reunited at Portman Road and Murphy said: "Mick is very positive and TC [first team coach Terry Connor] is as well. They’ve been brilliant since they’ve come in.
"Mick signed me from Waterford for Sunderland and I worked with him there. I’ve worked closely with him and I’ve always got on well with him.
"He’s a good man-manager. He is easy to talk to and he will put an arm round your shoulder if you need I — but he’ll also give you harsh words if that’s what he thinks you need.
"I think every manager is the same and I think that’s what players need to get them fired up. The blend he has is very good.”
The 29-year-old, who is on loan with the Blues for the season, has said he’d like to remain with Town beyond the end of the campaign, when his Bhoys contract is up, but is yet to speak to McCarthy about his future.