Mick McCarthy says he won’t rule himself in or out of the running for the vacant Republic of Ireland manager’s job until he is asked whether he wants it by the FAI. The Blues boss is now the favourite for the job he previous occupied between 1996 and 2002 with widespread reports in Ireland claiming he is the man the FAI want to replace Giovanni Trapattoni, who left by mutual consent last month.

McCarthy says he’s had no contact from the FAI - “No, I haven’t” — but failed to rule himself out of the running: “If somebody ever asks me the question as to what I’ll do, I’ll tell them.”

Questioned further, he added: “If somebody asks me the question, I’ll tell them.

"I think anybody who wants to ask me the question should ask Marcus Evans the question first anyway because I’m under contract here until June 2015.”

He says he has been frustrated, flattered and annoyed by the ongoing speculation, but keeps his mind focused on Town: “Probably all of those things at times," he admitted.

"I can’t help it, but I just concentrate on my job and whatever will be, will be.”

Photo: Action Images

jas0999 added 17:05 - Oct 18 Fingers crossed that he won't be offered the job - because if he is offered it - he'll want to go and I can't see ME stopping him. Sooner all of this is sorted the better. Even before he joined ITFC MM made it clear he wanted another crack at that job - so how could we stand in his way? Reality is - whether we like it or not - we are a average Championship side, with a very good manager. ME's failure to back MM in the Summer will also have an impact. Mick deals with the media well, but its well documented that MM expected more money to spend on fees.

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LordMamu added 17:15 - Oct 18 Why would you be frustrated if you did not want to go? Mealy-mouthed hedge-betting...could but doesn't want to rule himself out.
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megamoth added 17:20 - Oct 18 JimmyJazz - he's the best manager for the job (both for us and for ROI probably), so we rely on his professional integrity to push his assembled team on for promotion. He is contracted to us and Marcus could conceivably insist on his delayed departure as part of a compensation deal. After all, its not like he would be leaving us to go to a competing team. As to ROI, they have nothing particularly to play for and if memory serves, I think their key fixtures kick in some time in the summer of next year

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Gazelle added 17:28 - Oct 18 How can he be favourite if he hasn't been asked.
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hampstead_blue added 17:29 - Oct 18 What a prize pillock. He was given a great contract, backing from the board, everything and now he does this. Losing respect for him, and fast.
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Michael11 added 17:49 - Oct 18 For god sake Mick just say you want the job already. If he goes then i honestly haven't got a clue who i'd want to appoint. Genuinely don't believe there's a better manager available.
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Mark added 17:52 - Oct 18 Mick only had another 20 months of so on his Ipswich contract, doesn't he? As that ticks down, I doubt it would be beyond the FAI to pay compensation for that. I wonder what would happen if ITFC offered Mick a new long term contract now? That would bring the issue to a head. It feels like another Redknapp Tottenham/England situation, and look where he ended up!
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sereneblue added 18:06 - Oct 18 Why can't a manager just answer a question yes or no. There just like politicians who always answer a question with a question. My feeling he is certainly interested in the Ireland job.If he goes,life goes on as do Ipswich Town. Good luck saturday lads!.
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pegasus added 18:29 - Oct 18 Wise up everyone. What will be will be. Anyone would wait until they're asked, then make a decision. If MM fell under a bus tomorrow, who would I like to see applying to manage ITFC? Or being approached? Terry Butcher, Tony mowbray, Matt Holland, perhaps?
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oddball added 18:36 - Oct 18 Its not difficult to rule yourself out if your not interested, he is clearly considering it, if offered will probs go, shame.
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oddball added 18:40 - Oct 18 Its football, everything is stepping stone to something better, its hard to believe there is any loyalty at all these days. Players and managers will always leave for a better job.
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BerraforBallon_Dor added 18:49 - Oct 18 Paolo Di Canio I currently out of work..................... good replacement? Seriously though Mick's a great manager and has done wonders for the club like signing McGoldrick, getting rid of Chopra and Martin, surviving relegation but don't he's irreplaceable. I'd love to see Jim Magilton back tbh. His heart was with the club (unfortunately I fear Mick is a little less passionate) and he was nipping away at the top 6 all the time. If he had anouther season or 2 he definitely would have got us in the play ofs. Whatever happens COYB

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JWM added 19:32 - Oct 18 @Hampstead Blue Have I missed something? What has MM supposed to have done?
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blue_moon09 added 19:37 - Oct 18 Whats all the fuss about if the Irish FA haven't approached the club about our manager, then there's nothing concrete in the nonsense that continues to be written every day, PS go to the game tomorrow you part time arm chair supporters
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shoopdelang added 19:42 - Oct 18 I think he just wants to see if he would get offered it. Don't think he would take it
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Hegansheroes added 20:14 - Oct 18 Please ROI offer him the job & please MM accept. I cannot stand the football now being played. MM can only play one way which is so outdated although it can be effective in getting results, but as far as entertainment goes he scores absolutely ZERO. I am not prepared to pay £30.00+ to see this excuse for football. What has happened to ITFC? Unfortunately I really do admire what is going on up the A140, a board who are passionate about their club, a manager who is prepared to play football and a team who are going to struggle but are where all ITFC fans want us to be. Ipswich are so far removed from the team I first supported in the days of Ramsey & then McGarry.

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TimmyH added 20:25 - Oct 18 Micks got his £1M bonus for keeping us up (easy money) and wouldn't at all be surprised if he goes November/December.
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RegencyBlue added 20:56 - Oct 18 ME better start offering MM significant backing in the transfer windows or I'd say MM is on his way! A simple"No" would end all of this speculation and the fact its not forthcoming speaks volumes.
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muccletonjoe added 20:58 - Oct 18 It is quite obvious to everyone that he wants the job , but can hardly come out and say so untill he knows he has got it. A man with very few morals it seems , and I for one shall be very glad when this story ends along with his tenure at portman road , perhaps we can then continue with someone who wants to be here.
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Walk_the_Wark added 21:27 - Oct 18 See ya mick. And now for a manager who plays football!!!!
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Walk_the_Wark added 21:34 - Oct 18 Hegansheroes- spot on!
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Walk_the_Wark added 21:39 - Oct 18 MM is an outdated manager, with a pedigree in Championship, but a failure in the Prem. Let Ireland have him. Let's get someone who wants to pass the ball and show attacking intent please. And someone who is bright enough to try something different when 4-4-2 hoofball isn't working!
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GFH added 22:12 - Oct 18 I hope Mick stays to finish what he has started but I have always felt that he would leave us if offered something bigger. IF he goes we start again but at least who ever takes over will inherit a half decent team. coyb
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TedTurnip added 22:44 - Oct 18 Who really wants to manage Town? Year after year, getting worse and worse. Commit Mick, or go. If I played this game with my boss he would tell me to f**k off
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tractorboyz82 added 03:00 - Oct 19 Only thing that'll keep mm here is the fact the fai don't want to pay a fee/compensation Evans will know this a will haggle for every penny bet it would take about 2m
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