Skipper Luke Chambers admits that he and his colleagues have in part contributed to manager Mick McCarthy’s impending departure from Portman Road.
"We haven’t made the play-offs so we probably have let him down,” confessed Chambers. "But whether we had any right to be anywhere near the play-offs is another question for another day.
"I feel we’ve definitely overachieved with him as manager and the resources at his disposal, and we have enjoyed playing for him.
"As a manager he speaks to us on a level that means we have to respect him. It’s his way or the highway and there have never been any problems in the squad.
"Everyone has always given the manager the utmost respect and given everything for him.
"Yes, we may have failed with our aim to make the play-offs this season but we’re 19 points from relegation with eight games to go and 10 points from the play-offs. I don’t think things are as drastic as they’ve been made out to be.”
Chambers turned his attention to his own relationship with McCarthy, who appointed him captain after taking charge in November 2012 and has consistently praised the defender for his professionalism throughout their time together, often hailing him as his best skipper during 26 years in management.
"I’ve had a great relationship with the gaffer, the best I’ve ever had with a manager in my entire career — and I’ve been lucky to play under some very good ones in that time,” said Chambers.
"The way he handles himself day to day, and the way he is when we win, lose or draw a game, or if there’s a crisis or anything going on, he’s very, very straight down the line. He doesn’t go up too high or down too low.
"He’s taught me a lot of things for me to look at in the future and overall he’s been brilliant. He steadied the ship when he came in because we looked dead and buried back then.
"That’s one thing he should take back and be very proud of. I think he should be very proud of his achievements on behalf of the club throughout his time as manager.
"I think I’ve become a better player under him and I’ve learned a lot from him, both on and off the pitch, like how to handle different situations.
"When I first came to Ipswich I was probably a lot more hot-headed after a game than I am now.
"He told me to remember I had to keep people onside because there was always another game coming up, little things like that.
"I’ve had a good working relationship with him and I’m gutted to see him leaving.
"With Mick, the man or the manager, what you see is what you get. He’s got his manager head on when he comes and sits in front of you all at press conferences and answers your difficult questions!
"He’s a fantastic person and it isn’t just the squad, but every single person at the football club wanted him to stay.
"He’s got a tremendous working relationship from top to bottom, no matter who you are or what your role is at the club, and we’re all very sad to see it turn out this way.”