Boss Mick McCarthy is neither ruling the Blues in nor out of a promotion challenge as his side go into back to back home games against Blackburn and Huddersfield. Town sit in 11th in the table after Saturday’s 1-0 away win at Charlton, five points from the play-off places.

“I never rule it in, never rule it out,” McCarthy said when asked if he was ruling out promotion after Saturday’s second successive away victory. “Just get as many points as we can, that’s where I’m at.”

The Blues boss says he expects this season’s Championship to be just as close as it was last year: “Yes, it’ll be 50-odd points to stay up again, I would imagine. It’s bonkers.

“Just look at Doncaster. They were here in the week [and lost 2-0] and Charlton were a much better team, then they beat QPR [on Saturday]. Yeovil went to Watford and beat them.

“Any one of us can beat anybody else and that’s what makes it a tough, evil league to play in. A bit like to today, I think people probably saw it as back to back wins for Charlton, we’ve come thinking that we could win this.”

Aaron Cresswell's assist for Tommy Smith's goal at the Valley was his eighth of the season, more than anyone else in the three Football League divisions, something which delights his manager: "Brilliant."

Blackburn are at Portman Road on Tuesday, while Huddersfield visit Suffolk on Saturday.

Photo: Action Images

Mark added 07:43 - Dec 2 That's the right attitude from Mick, as anything can happen in this league. Who would have thought Burnley would be 2nd, Blackpool 4th and Derby 5th? At the moment I am just enjoying our time in the top half of the league table, 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
0

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 07:57 - Dec 2 I'm with Mark on this: it's nice, for once, not to be involved in a relegation battle. Not that we should be satisfied with such a situation in the long term, but progress takes time. I very much doubt we are top-six material at the moment, but with a couple of serious tweaks in January, you never know. I wouldn't mind a play-off spot for the excitement and interest that would bring, but let's not get carried away. There are around 8 other teams outside the first six places at the moment who probably are thinking the same thing. We have stability; extras may or may not come later.

0

muccletonjoe added 08:34 - Dec 2 No let's not get carried away , if we go 1 - 0 up tomorrow let's try and hang onto it trying to make it 2 - 0 can wait till next season hey?
0

Fat_Boy_Tim added 08:59 - Dec 2 @muccletonjoe - You either didn't read or didn't understand what MM said, he's talking about the season , not individual match tactics. As for you tactics, maybe you'd have been happier if Town had pushed for a second on Saturday and ended up with an exciting 1-1 draw?
0

MickMillsTash added 09:01 - Dec 2 Did McCarthy manage an interview without swearing? 8 assists from Cresswell is impressive and hard to replace should he leave. I think everyone will be saying this but a few shrewd signings in Jan and we could be close to top 6. Selling Cresswell and an injury to McGoldrick and we could be bottom 6 though Bonkers indeed
0

PortmanPie78 added 09:07 - Dec 2 Mick McCarthy's coming down the chimney tonight :)
0

PortmanPie78 added 09:11 - Dec 2 But great beard though, hopefully get a decent run over Christmas
0

muccletonjoe added 09:42 - Dec 2 Fat Boy Tim . I was commenting on rthe first two posts
0

Turkishblue added 11:11 - Dec 2 7 games in 29 days from tomorrow so MM playing it safe, see what he says after Charlton game on New Years Day
0

apm_77 added 11:30 - Dec 2 14-17 points from the next 7 games will hopefully give the club a lift, get a few more bums on seats (giving MM more to spend should he need to in January) and maybe help us all put the last 4 years well and truly behind us. Anyone in the top half can realistically have a crack at the play-offs in this division and there's no reason Town can't kick on instead of fretting about relegation again.

0

tallguy6767 added 12:23 - Dec 2 I think we'll finish pretty much where we are now especially if we continue to try and win games 1-0 all the time !! The better teams like Leicester did will punish this tactic .can only be used against dross sides. Would love to see us be more positive I think we have players
0

tallguy6767 added 12:24 - Dec 2 That can! !
0

Tractorog added 14:55 - Dec 2 "You better watch out, you'd better beware Coz Mick McCarthy's coming, you'd better take care Mick McCarthy is managing towen"
0

TimmyH added 20:33 - Dec 2 What a complete non-story...not ruling us in or out of a promotion chase.
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls