Boss Mick McCarthy felt that while it was difficult to take the Blues losing to local rivals Norwich City, there was no disgrace in how his side played against the recently relegated former Premier League side. Lewis Grabban's 24th minute goal was enough to give the Canaries the victory.

“It was a hard-fought game,” McCarthy said. “They had the goal and we didn’t. It changed the course of it, as it always does.

“It changed the momentum, I thought they were better than us for 10 minutes after that and being one in front allowed them in the second half to try and catch us on the break, which they almost did a couple of times.

“But we had a gilt-edged chance when we were playing well through Daryl Murphy. He’s just looked at it and he knows he should have scored.”

He had no complaints regarding his team's endeavour: “The effort and commitment is always there from the players.

“I thought we rushed it and tried to get back in the game too much, we didn’t have too much quality in the first half. In the second half we were better.

“But we were playing against a good team, a team that’s come down from the Premier League with good players in it and has signed some good players.

“They’ve got a good squad, it’s no disgrace how we played against them, it’s just difficult when it’s our nearest and not so dearest.”

McCarthy says he always expected the opening few games of the season to be tough: “When I looked at the fixtures when they came out I didn’t think for a minute that Fulham at home, Reading away, Birmingham away and Norwich at home was going to be easy. I always thought it was going to be hard and that’s how it’s proved to be.”

Regarding Norwich’s goal, he said: “Somebody shouted ‘keeper’s’, I don’t know who shouted it. I haven’t got an ear-piece into the six-yard box to find out whether it was and who said it, but no other player should shout it except Gerks."

He added: “It wasn’t Gerks, Skusey’s marking Grabban, so I don’t know, might have been Grabban that shouted it, could have done. None of our players should shout that."

“It certainly looked like a mix-up. We didn’t deal with it well enough. We dealt with the first corner kick but we didn't deal with the ball coming back in.”

Despite Christophe Berra being on the floor not far from goal when Grabban scored, the video evidence still suggested that the goalscorer may have been offside, however, McCarthy was more concerned with his team’s defensive failings.

“If [it does still look offside] then it’ll give me something to whinge about,” he continued. “But in reality we didn’t deal with it. I’m not blaming the officials and I think if you look you’ll find that Berra and Michael Turner are lying on the floor about one yard out.

“I’ve got complaints about how we dealt with it, not how anybody refereed it, which is unusual for a manager.”

He admits he’s been less than happy with the goals his side has given away in the last couple of matches: “In the last three games we’ve conceded very poor goals from our point of view.

“It’s not like we’ve conceded as a back four that can’t defend, it’s been individual errors, the one at Reading, the two at Birmingham and the one today, so we’ll have to get better.

He says he expects the Canaries to be amongst the promotion challengers come May: “We’ve played a team today which will be competing at the top with an opportunity. Without a doubt, they’ve got a very good squad.”

Asked about the very different budgets Town and Norwich - recipients of £60 million in parachute payments over the next four years - are forced to work within, McCarthy added: “Financial Fair Play, that’s bollocks, isn’t it?

“We’re operating within it and they’ve just got a different Financial Fair Play [situation], as have Fulham and the other teams who have come down. It makes it all the more rewarding when you do well without it. And that’s what we’re going to have to do.”

Norwich boss Neil Adams believed his team was worthy of the victory: “It was a well-deserved win.

“I thought we needed to be better in the first half. I said to the players at half-time that we didn’t really move the ball as quickly or as effectively as we’re capable of.

“Even though we were winning the game, I still felt we could have been a little bit better.

“To the lads’ credit they did step it up more in the second half. I thought defensively throughout the game we were excellent and we probably could have gone and added another two goals in the second half.

“We missed some good chances but it was good to restrict Ipswich to few chances if any at all. Overall I thought we deserved to win the game and I’m delighted with the victory.”

Adams apologised for failing to shake hands with McCarthy and his assistant Terry Connor after the match.

“I want to apologise to Mick and Terry,” he said. “I was out of order I didn’t shake their hands. Completely unintentionally, I was too caught up in the moment, so hopefully you’ll all report that.

“I realised when I was on the pitch that that was out of order and I should have shown more respect to them and shaken their hands before I went off on my celebrations. Hand on heart it wasn’t intentional.

“I wouldn’t have been too happy if that had been flipped, so big apologies to Mick and Terry, they’re good people and I apologise unreservedly for forgetting to shake their hands at the final whistle.

“Terry actually came onto the pitch and shook my hand and I realised then I’d forgotten and thought ‘I’ve made a big mistake here’.

“My fault, it certainly wasn’t intended and hopefully they’ll accept that with the grace that they have. I was out of order, not intentionally, I just forgot.

“I don’t want to argue with Mick, there’s only going to be one winner there, isn’t there?”

Questioned about the incident and Adams’s apology, McCarthy said: “He should have [shaken hands]. Sky have just asked me and I said it’s nothing to do with them whether he shook my hand or not.

“Whether they show that or not I don’t know. I tend to deal with my matters with other managers individually and on my own.”

He added: “He’s got a good team, they’re a good side and they’d just beaten us and if it’s a lesson in etiquette then the first person he shakes hands with [should be] me and [then] with TC.

“I’ve had to do it, I’ve had to do it at Leicester when we’ve been beaten 6-0 and 5-0 [at Palace] and that’s what you do. If that’s a lesson today, then fine.”

Photo: Action Images

Gforce added 13:31 - Aug 24 Exactly the same team as last season,hardly progression.new signings all very poor and certainly no better than what we already have.they were trialist and free transfers for a reason.I'm afraid the bottom four beckons after the derby match.
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blueboy1981 added 13:33 - Aug 24 JWM ....... respect your honesty - even the most staunch MM believer MUST now be seeing the light. What we have is him - Money, FFP, whatever - will never change him. I have respect for some of his traits - but he is not, and never would be, the man to take us forward. I have genuinely hoped he would prove me wrong - even now. But it isn't to be - unfortunately. Should be there for ALL to see by now.

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Gforce added 13:40 - Aug 24 Exactly the same team as last season,hardly progression.new signings very poor and certainly no better than what we already have.They were trialists and free transfers for a reason.I'm afraid the bottom four beckons after the derby match.
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kesgrave_bluey added 13:48 - Aug 24 what will the fans say when we cash in and get McGoldrick off the wage bill?
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marshallmania added 13:55 - Aug 24 Sideways or backward passing, poor deliveries into box, under par players for this level!! No surprise we were done over but like a true blue I will always believe!
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blueboy1981 added 13:57 - Aug 24 kesgrave bluey ....... I could understand McG not wanting to stay unless things improve - undoubtedly a quality player who's thinking / play is way ahead of many around him.
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blueboy1981 added 14:03 - Aug 24 irishtim ........... obviously not for some ....... !!!!!!! ..... but am I surprised at that ? ... NO.
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MrDiddle added 14:08 - Aug 24 Oh my god, 4 games into the season and all you lot are already bloody moaning. We lost 1 - 0 to a recently relegated team that cost millions that for the most part played worse than we did. Yawn to the lot of ya!
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warktheline added 14:12 - Aug 24 Blueboy, many pro Mick followers have posted on forum, I'm one of them.....yes at this point in time, you and others appear to be right, but a week in football is a long time, who knows what may happen next, an influx of players could soon paint a different picture. I agree Mick's style is certainly not working, and there's an argument to say, Mick has allowed one or two individuals to leave, that may of allowed the team to of played with more flair, but that said, he has been willing to introduce boys with footballing abilities, JW springs to mind, as does young Mings. How do we compete with Forest, financially .....We can't. The next question therefore has to be, what's the alternative ? Install a manager with an eye for a bargain and good team ethics. Does anybody doubt the boys playing at present, not giving 100% ? Not many I would suggest. Therefore, like so many clubs, with little or no funds, managers are looking for that touch of class, for the price of a packet of peanuts.

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Drew added 14:40 - Aug 24 Maybe for our next game, why don't we play a right back who isn't primarily a centre back, a left back who doesn't leave spaces behind him, get a central midfielder who won't sit in front of the back four, and maybe play a winger, like Henshall?
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SickParrot added 14:45 - Aug 24 Feeling very depressed by our start to the season. Already dumped out of the Capital 1 cup (as usual), lost to the Budgies again and never even tested Ruddy in the Norwich goal, only 1 win out of 5, failed to score in 3 of 5, no clean sheets and same old negative tactics and boring football. We desperately need some pace and creativity in the team and a more positive approach but we are unlikely to get this with MM. He will never pick a player with flair and creativity ahead of a player who always puts a shift in and does the 'dirty stuff'. Jonnie Williams was perfect for MM, because he combines the two. Unfortunately, players like him are rare and are unlikely to be available on loan or free. MM's qualities and philosophy were just what was needed to keep us up when he took over and he deserves much credit for that but I cannot see him taking us forward. MM is right to point out that clubs like us are at a massive disadvantage compared with those receiving parachute payments but it is still possible to build a competitive team that plays good football without spending a fortune. I cannot help wondering whether MM is happy to hide behind the FFP rules to justify his negative tactics and the lack of quality in his team. I hope I am wrong but I think we will struggle this season and bore everyone to death in the process.

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07bradleyc added 15:48 - Aug 24 McGoldrick was the only player that looked like scoring, we need more creative players like him! All the defenders were doing was lumping it up to Murphy every time and I don't think he won a single header! Sammon looked like a slightly better version of Murphy so I don't see why we finished the game with those two up front when a young, pacey goalscorer in Marriot is out on loan, give the lad a chance! Hyam was the only player who seemed to care as much as the fans did, he gave his all for the team and was rewarded by being substituted (However, Bru didn't look too bad when he came on). Mings made some good tackles but his passing was horrendous! I think he will be a good player but it's clear we miss Cresswell down that left hand side. The performance overall was average and lacked any creative spark, if their striker could finish it could have been 4 but Gerken did make a few good saves. I really hope things will improve, Norwich are top of the league and they weren't anything special which shows that we can achieve something this season if we get out act together and start to fashion some chances and score some goals! I worry that if McGoldrick gets injured again, his replacements aren't up to the job! Let's hope we beat the scum next time round, a one game loan for Danny Haynes might not be a bad idea! COYB!

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oldelsworthyfan added 15:54 - Aug 24 Early days yet. All we need is a better goalkeeper, a proper right back, midfielders with some vision who can pass the ball forward, a couple of players with a bit of pace and another striker to support Didsy ......and we'd be home and dry. For a start, a bit like what Wordy and Taylor are doing at Rotherham.
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sergeisays added 16:49 - Aug 24 The only way to make a change is to vote with our feet. I for one will not be paying to watch that shower again. What a shame our beloved club has fallen so low.
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oldblue added 17:09 - Aug 24 Now had time to think about yesterdays game..and still cannot understand what we are trying to do..same as last season..get the ball and launch it to a big lump who we than play off..only trouble is we can't pass it to the big lump..and even if by some chance it gets to him he can't control it cos it appears that we do not do any ball skill practice in training..only practising the ability to launch the ball down the pitch..our decision making across the team is poor at all times ..the goalkeeper is a liability we have a centre half playing at right back..only footballer worthy of the name is mcgoldrick ...this is football from the dark ages..and then we sign Conor sammon who at best is a trier although I could say some pretty choice words about him...and let a promising player like jack Marriott go on loan ...and if we moan mick m says he will do the opposite cos he is stubborn..really mature reaction to fans who know and love itfc and have enjoyed good football ....and mr McCarthy actually know what they are talking about..this is not about losing to Norwich..they were clearly the better team..just about the way we are playing..if we got results with it we might just be able to stomach it but it's is poor to watch and we don't get results with it...I paid £88 for that game and was considering a season ticket again..I have Ben a season ticket holder for 35 of the last 47 years ..but I cannot if it means having to watch garbage like that ...mr McCarthy clearly knows more about football management than me but if that is what we have to watch then I am not going to pay to watch it or he can take his skills elsewhere...and to cap it all I had two of the biggest morons I have ever heard at a football match to contend with who spent the entire first half plotting to assault Norwich fans using language than belongs in another world and not a steward to be seen...apart from that I had a really great time !

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Harlowtractorboy added 17:23 - Aug 24 Can't wait and see what happens on transfer day another quite one. We need players for cover and change up the team. Mick sort it out
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irishtim added 18:31 - Aug 24 @blueboy well what do you suggest to change things?
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blue_moon09 added 18:31 - Aug 24 You lot on here have short memories MM saved Town from league 1 moronic comments from arm chair part time muppets. The football might not be pretty and you might not like the manager but support the club his building a team with no money so be patient and calm down, wonder if all the part time fans will be there for the Millwall game , I doubt fickle lot......
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blue86 added 18:34 - Aug 24 While it is always disappointing to lose against Norwich, You only Have to look at there squad to see the gulf in class. Thought Hyam Played well but we really need a creative cm beside him, and for me Skuse offers little, also as much as I rate chambers he just isn't a rb And he would be better playing cb, but who would you drop out of The three centre halves? Smith maybe? Mick has done well to steady The ship, but his negative tactics and dislike of players with flair is Holding us back in my opinion, not saying I'm a mick out man, or mick In man, but at the the moment we seem very predictable and dull, as Time and time again on Saturday we gave away possession far to cheaply With aimless hoofs up the pitch, at least under magilton we played the Ball on the ground and It was entertaining at times! It is my first time Posting on twtd so go easy on me! Lol, coyb

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kesgrave_bluey added 18:52 - Aug 24 there is not a single thing at ITFC that would tempt me watch a game at portman road at the moment.
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oldblue added 18:58 - Aug 24 Just because you attend every match doesn't make you right...if you are prepared to put up with the sort of poor standard of football good luck to you....keeping us out of league 1 is hardly reason not to complain about no progress...money or lack of it is not the answer always...development of players and choice of player types and tactical ability from manager and players is also important...something the current crop of players and staff lack in abundance ...some of us have sat through many low points and poor matches..watched Stockport county at home on a freezing Tuesday night with less than 10,000 in the ground so we feel somewhat justified in commenting on the present situation.....I want a successful itfc but would like to be entertained a little too..winning is what we all want ..however some style would be nice...good luck to those who are loyal and have paid their season ticket money and have to sit through the dross...hopefully it will get better ..I paid to watch the game against Norwich have watched hundreds of town games ..managed teams at various levels too and feel that gives me the right to make an honest assessment of the game..having watched the final home game against Bournemouth where we were outplayed and hoofed the ball up at every opportunity we have made no progress whatsoever ..enjoy it ..but I don't have to !

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dirtyboy added 19:03 - Aug 24 What's irritating is that Murphy is much better than the 'lump' he's often referred to as. We can and have shown glimpses of that capability to play decent stuff. Hyam was superb, but didn't stand a chance the way they set up and Skuse still didn't do enough, which is a shame as he's got ability. Tabby left Mings isolated at times which was surprising given I guess that's why he gets the nod over Henshall. Fact remains, that is a decent Norwich team, that is not the one Hughton presided over. Their players are largely excellent. We're all a bit emotional due to the opposition, but still early days, time to fix and tinker.

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HackneyBlue added 19:13 - Aug 24 blue moon09 I have a long memory I have seen it all since 1975,im lucky I can afford to see it but not sure if sometimes I want to see it,what I saw yesterday and most of last season did not represent entertainment at all,yes Micks done well but we need to push on ,I need to enjoy my visits ,I have seen victories and not enjoyed them.Fans will spend their hard earned money if they are entertained or if more effort is put in.£35 is a lot of money to watch football of that quality.in the Ferguson and Duncan years we had no money and struggled but the effort was there and the intention was there-they were both missing yesterday.We will win games playing like that but not sure they will be pleasing the eye.

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Cloddyseedbed added 19:20 - Aug 24 blue moon09. I think you'll find a lot of the discontent is coming from true supporters/season ticket holders that do not like what we see and what is going on at our club. I think you are being just a little naive if you think it can all be blamed on FFP. Why are all the players that are bought in so samey? Hard working but very low on confidence/fitness and skill. We have sold a player and I know that 3million is not in ITFC bank account but a little bit of skill and flair must be out there somewhere and I'm afraid without it we are going to struggle big time with what is a far weaker and smaller squad than last season. You call for patience and calm. We are the longest serving club in Championship and are getting worse every season. Ticket prices are raising and the standard of football and entertainment has dropped to an all time low and the crowds are following, so please don't call us long standing fans fickle! We should be encouraging the fans to want to return to Portman Road but we are just driving them away with the performances on the pitch and I might add the catering, which is poor and constantly runs out of products - some say it is due to not paying the suppliers when they expect it. I can not comment if this is true or false but I do have an opinion which I will keep to myself! ;)

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Surco72 added 19:28 - Aug 24 MM is paid to make judgement on his squad and the players he brings to the club . He cannot hide behind the FFP as the club have said money was available , why has it not been spent ? Because MM said at the start of the season he was happy with his squad with the addition of a few loans , His call . Since he has released or loaned ,Edwards, Vesali, Marriott, Taylor , Nouble and Wordsworth all who played in pre season games for us , why ? His Call He has previously released Drury , JET in my opinion still better than what we are playing in Tabb , Skuse , Anderson or what he has signed Bru , Baijner. His Call He continues to play 4 centre backs at the back -His Call He continually plays 2 defensive central midfielders -His Call He plays Tabb - His Call Our main tactic is too defend and try to nick a set piece goal - His Call We line up defensively in most games - His Call He continually picks Gerken even after poor games , yet dropped Loach after a MOM performance - His Call Has had Garvan, Collison, Ambrose training with us will sign none of them - His Call The team he has created are boring and so is the style of football, as previously stated fine if you are getting results because you can hide behind them but we are not 1 win in five against it would appear the worst team and defence in the league . No clean sheets when we line up not to concede ? 3 games failed to break down opposition due to lack of creativity and chances created . Proud to be called a set piece side yet we concede from set pieces every game ? The squad is far weaker than last season and the league has got better , anyone thinking this is a playoff team is sadly deluded early doors or not ,we are miles off Cardiff, Wigan , Scum , Watford ,Derby, Forest, Blackburn , Bournemouth , we will be looking over our shoulder rather than above This is not a knee jerk assessment due to a derby loss this is where we are however much we would like it otherwise

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