Boss Mick McCarthy believes he has silenced those who doubted him after his sacking at Wolves in February 2012. After eight months out of work, the 54-year-old took over at Town on November 1st when they were bottom of the table with last week’s 3-1 home victory over Birmingham confirming their Championship status.
McCarthy says he still believed in himself, but feels others didn’t: "I didn’t doubt myself but I got the distinct impression that one or two thought I was old news and a little bit tired for some reason because everybody wants a young up and coming manager it would appear.
"Lots of jobs came and went, so I got that feeling because we’d been scrapping at the bottom of the league [with Wolves] for three years.
"They talk about records. Look at the Championship record, different ball game. Look at the Premier League record, more defeats than wins, but that’s generally the case with teams that get promoted. There’s the odd exception, of course, Swansea have been remarkable.
"I did get that impression a little bit, but I never doubted myself that I could do it and I would like to think that anybody who did doubt me has had that pushed to one side after coming in here with seven points and we’ve got 60 now.”
He says he’s love the chance to improve his record in the Premier League, ideally with Town, with whom he has a contract until the summer of 2015: "I’d like to get the opportunity to rectify it, of course I would.
"But that’s not easy because you get a team promoted and you go from ‘Super Mick’ to ‘Get out big nose’ in about five weeks! It’s unbelievable, the turnaround is remarkable.
"It’s how you manage that. I just took it that it was always going to be tough when you get a team promoted.
"So, of course I would [like another opportunity in the Premier League], I’d like to do it here. I’m not looking for any other [job], I’m enjoying it here.”
Despite being happy at Portman Road and looking ahead to spending the summer building on the squad which he has seen to safety, he says he’d be delighted if other clubs have taken notice.
"I’m not so sure I’ve gained that much kudos in the last six months, but I hope I have,” he said.
"Like everybody else, I’d love to think that people were looking at me and thinking ‘He’d do a good job in the Premier League’. I’m not seeking that. But it’s lovely when people think nice things about you.
"February 13th 2012 when I got the sack [at Wolves] and then for eight months after that, it’s not a great feeling being a civilian, getting up and having to join the gym, starting running on your own, keeping fit. It’s strange.
"I’m not looking for any of that. But if, because our results have been good, people are thinking nice things about me, brilliant. If they’re not, don’t give a flying one.”