Departing Town boss Mick McCarthy has reiterated that he has no plans to retire having left the Blues after five and a half years in charge at Portman Road following last night’s 1-0 victory over Barnsley and says he is looking for "an opportunity to get back into the Premier League".
"I’m not packing it in," he told talkSPORT. "There was some misconception that I’m fed up with it, I’m tired and I’m getting old.
"I might be tired, and I might be getting old, but I’m not fed up with it. I want to get back in. I’m hungry for another job and another challenge.
"If the right job comes up, I’ll take it. I would like an opportunity to get back into the Premier League.”
Regarding his earlier-than-expected Town exit, he added: "It kind of came to its natural end. It was time to go.
"There was a breakdown in the relationship with me and some of the fans, but I’ve had wonderful support at Ipswich as well, so I’m not digging them out.
"I’ve been there for five and a half years and I think fans get bored of the same face, no matter how well you’re doing. But I’m cool with it. I’m a pragmatist, it does happen.
"I’ve had a fabulous time there, I’ve loved every minute of it. All good things must come to an end and it has been good and I have enjoyed it, but it’s time for me to do something else and it’s time for the club to do something else.
"It was lovely to finish on a win last night, despite the fact it was against one of my former clubs, Barnsley, and it left them in a perilous position. It’s time to move on and I’m excited by what might be out there.”
McCarthy has previously been mentioned in connection with soon-to-be-relegated West Brom, while Leeds, the club he supported as a boy, have been linked since his Portman Road departure.