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.

Photo: Action Images

Len_Brennan added 06:27 - Nov 13 He's doing a lot of talking is Murphy. I'm 50/50 on him as a town player, his form has been up & down in his spells here although there can be no doubt that he is an asset when playing well. I was happy enough when he signed again this season, but until MM arrived he was a shadow of a former self. He would certainly not be worth upsetting the wage structure for if we were to sign him permanently in the summer, but eould be a decent guy to have at a standard Championship wage.

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Marcus added 06:28 - Nov 13 "Every manager is the same"... But some managers are more the same than others.
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RetroBlue added 08:15 - Nov 13 Murphy hasnt not really impressed me during any of his spells with us . I agree he is best suited to being central striker, but he is now making all the familiar noises players make when they want a deal.
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bluefeast added 08:37 - Nov 13 He just has no pace.
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Bergholtblue added 08:41 - Nov 13 I agree with the above posts I don't think he has done enough to warrant a contract. But who knows perhaps he has not been happy playing out wide. MM knows the player and will be able to get the best out of him. Murphy just needs to show that 'his best' is good enough.
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TR11BLU added 09:25 - Nov 13 Agree with whats been said here. He is an okay player but certainly not worth pushing the boat out for. The fact he keeps coming back as a loanee and has not been signed suggests he wants more than he is worth.
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DanLyles added 09:25 - Nov 13 I'm not sure on Murphy either. Certainly putting in a shift at the moment, but if we want to progress up the league/s then I think we will need better. If Mick is looking to play with a target man then he needs a player with Murphy's strength and height but also a bit more pace and certainly more goals. I know he's been transfer listed at Posh for being a bit naughty but Tyrone Barnett has similar physical attributes to Murphy but is more prolific and pacey. Him and DJ Campbell (if we can do a deal) would be unstoppable at this level.

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Wickets added 10:21 - Nov 13 Been a lot of hype regards saturdays first home win of the season but our feet should remain firmly on the ground! i though first half we where poorish, Wellens and Murphy both seemed to lack effort and Reo-Coker frustrated by players around him,after a quick halftime word(i would love to know what was said) we where out on the pitch keeping warm,hardly a sign that MM was pleased, second half was much improved with lots more effort from those 3 loanees was it a bit of the managers castic soda that did the trick? Wonky Konks Balmy Army.

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