Manager Mick McCarthy says he didn’t particularly enjoy the lap of appreciation which followed Saturday’s Championship place-confirming 3-1 home victory over Birmingham. The Town boss would have much preferred a lap of honour having seen the Blues into the play-offs.

“I don’t enjoy that, going round applauding them for their support because we’ve been scrapping against relegation,” he admitted.

“I’m not really happy going round applauding our crowd because we’ve stayed up, feeling relieved. I prefer going round thinking we’re in the play-off zone."

That’s not to say he didn’t appreciate the support of fans throughout his six months at the club: “It was a lap of appreciation from us to them for their support.

“Chambo said at the end of season dinner the other night that despite having played 13 games and having seven points, they were never booed off once.

“I’ve been to some places where you’d have been hauled off and booted off if they’d been in the position they were in.

“I think it’s nice that we show our appreciation, the fans certainly want to support the team, you don’t get the feeling ever that they’re anti the team or the players.

“It is a win, where we are now from where we were is a win. But I’d prefer it to be a play-off spot or something, I’m not happy staving off relegation with 60 points.”

It was pointed out to McCarthy that the Blues — who would be fifth in a league table beginning on November 1st when he took over - might have made the play-offs if the season had longer to run, but he felt it has gone on quite long enough: “If the season were a bit longer I might have a f****** heart attack!”

The Blues boss was pleased to hear fans chanting his assistant Terry Connor’s name during the lap of appreciation: “It was me that encouraged it for him. He’s terrific. We’re a really good partnership, work well together, we did at Wolves.

“Some people in a bizarre way seemed to think he was disloyal by taking the job at Wolves when I left, but I encouraged him to take it.

“The 13 games he had, I said to him ‘If you’ve got a master plan that you haven’t told me about I’d be a bit upset with you!’.

“With two of us we won games, we were good together. If you’d have isolated me and sacked him it might have made a difference as well. Certainly sacking me and isolating him in the job made a difference.

“But far from being disloyal I encouraged him to take it, I wanted him to succeed at it. And I always knew that if it didn’t work out that when I got a job he would be the first call I’d be making. And I’m glad I did. It was never in doubt.”

Photo: Action Images

blueherts added 11:57 - Apr 29 Spot on Buckie and several others - for the last 10 or so years it has been pretty flat at year end . My lad is 12 so was born in our last BIG year of 2000 - Living in Herts and amongst Arsenal , Chelsea , Man U ( and QPR !!) fans he has stuck with us !!! He has seen some right old tosh in recent years but Saturday for him - and me - was like a dark cloud being lifted - The first 25 minutes was non stop Hewitt is a future star - and possibly at RM , Hyam just reconfirming his status and all across the pitch we looked so solid as well as dangerous - Nouble could well be a big factor next season As we have already said - Keane ruined us , Jewell picked up pieces and signed some decent players and now MM has got us playing - ie he is a REAL MANAGER OF PEOPLE - GETTING THE BEST OUT OF WHAT YOU HAVE GOT One of the biggest reasons for that , I believe , and it is something we have not had since Burley and Roberts is a Partnership at the helm All the best clubs have them and MM and TC are a fantastic Management team and TCs contribution cannot be underestimated - good to hear the chanting on Saturday I am very excited about next season - I always try and see a few pre season games - love em - and I believe we will press on next year - Bournemouth will be fun QPR - if they are still in business - is a good atmosphere - and Newcastle would be a good trip !!! SO GREAT JOB to all who have delivered this season - the 6-0 x2 and 5-0 seem so far away !!! I think it is farewell to Martin , Chopra , Drury and McClean 2 or 3 in coming and next season aim to be in the mix . Great job to all

0

Pendejo added 12:52 - Apr 29 Message to Mick - what you did was an achievement and you know it. I saw the Football League Show Interview in which you clearly stated you wondered how you'd get us to 50 points let alone 60. Fantastic job as I was absolutely certain we were doomed. For the sake of the club I wish it had worked out for Magic, Keane or Jewell, but it didn't and I'm sure our next period of success (however relative) will be so much sweeter for the bitter experiences that are now ancient history. In Mick (& Terry) we trust. Oh one final point... can we have another win at Burnley please... couldn't get to the Brum game but will be visiting Lancashire Saturday for another meal at the cricket club. ITFC European Champions 2017

0

PhoenixArizonaFan added 17:34 - Apr 29 It really makes a nice change to log on here and see comment after comment of positive words and praise. Mick and Terry have done wonders this season and it's hard to not have a twinge of excitement going into next season. Things really do feel different at last.... Onward and most definitely upward!
0

runningout added 20:23 - Apr 29 Dont get too optimistic, but know what you mean.. Mick McCarthy and Terry Connor deserve a knighthood,. compared to some numpty's tha get them.. probably uncomfortable with the appreciation as season not exactly praise worthy, and coaching staff not fully settled in yet..
0

h32 added 20:30 - Apr 29 ...... what a nice feeling to end the season (well almost) with - makes a nice change to have some optimism that all is well within the Club - as it appears anyway ! Roll on August.
0

Warkys_Tash added 23:56 - Apr 29 In Mick & Top Cat we have our own dastardly duo, plotting our way to the Premier League. Just like Robson & Ferguson, just like Burley & Roberts. Here's looking forward to next season. We are safe at last, hanks to those two guys. Credit must also go to ME for bringing them to the club. COYB!!
0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls