Blues boss Mick McCarthy says he was pleased with what he saw from the Town second string and U18s when he caught them both in action last Wednesday. A reserves side thrashed Tottenham 5-1 in a behind closed doors friendly at Spurs Lodge in the afternoon, before the Blues manager travelled west to see the U18s beat Bristol City 1-0 in the FA Youth Cup.

McCarthy said: “I saw the reserves/U21 side. It was a really good performance by the guys there. It’s unusual to go to Spurs and beat them 5-1, that’s for sure.

“They played OK, then I was delighted to get down to watch the Youth Cup tie. I thought that was a really good away performance.

“I said to them afterwards that they’re like us, they nicked the goal, they were really well organised, defended well and had to because I thought Bristol City did well in the second half.”

He says the spirit throughout Town is good at the moment with a feel-good factor created by the first team’s upturn in form: “Both feelings can spread through the club pretty quickly - that negative feeling when you just can’t get a win or anything out of it, and that positivity that comes through winning games permeates into every pore of the club and its fans outside.

“Us, the players, everybody, even the press. It permeates into how things are written. No question. I would imagine you guys [the media] would like to write positive things about Ipswich because you live here and work here, but you can’t do it if we’re getting beaten. So, it’s a lot easier for all of us.”

Photo: Action Images

RevAdrian added 08:11 - Dec 11 Good to see MM taking a positive interest in reserves and youth - Bobby R did likewise and it helps to inspire those who want to get on at the club but whose day is yet to come.
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bluemikey100 added 09:03 - Dec 11 well mick how pleased r us fans with u a long way to go but at least we winning scoring goals and clean sheets well done management terry doin great job on training field
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dalianwasexciting added 11:20 - Dec 11 Absolutely cracking news story. This is what Town have been missing for many a year, not just in the PJ or RK eras either! We are one of a majority of clubs who cannot go out and buy talent, but can unearth and nurture it. Not only for the clubs present, but its future too. To have the clubs Manager taking a keen interest, and going public on it is a breath of fresh air, and long overdue.

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