Town boss Mick McCarthy says Brentford’s less successful campaign having jettisoned manager Mark Warburton and undergone major upheaval last summer might be a case of ‘Be careful what you wish for’. Some Blues supporters have called for a change at Portman Road after recent results and performances. The 14th-placed Bees visit Suffolk on Saturday afternoon.

While Town are eighth, seven points plus goal difference off the play-offs with six games to play having finished sixth a year ago, Brentford, fifth and like Town losing play-off semi-finalists in 2014/15, have been less successful this time around, having announced in mid-February last year that Warburton and his staff would be moving on at the end of that campaign.

A new management team led by Dutchman Marinus Dijkhuizen came in during the close season, but after a disappointing start to 2015/16 he moved on in September last year with current boss Dean Smith taking over from caretaker boss Lee Carsley in December.

Warburton’s exit came as a shock even to someone who has been in the game as long as McCarthy.

“I shouldn’t be surprised by anything in football, but it does continue to surprise me,” McCarthy admitted.

“It surprised me that with 20 games to go Mark was leaving, and even more so now he’s gone and won the league with Rangers. It was a bit of a surprise considering how well they did last year.

“It’s happened at bigger and better clubs. Manchester United did it with Alex Ferguson and that went particularly wrong.

“Then he said, ‘No, I’m not going’, and they won the league. Manchester City have done it and it’s gone particularly well for them.

“Brentford were amazing, I think Mark Warburton kept his counsel and his dignity, and the players and the way they did it last year was amazing.

“But then to lose him, I think that upset the apple cart completely, and some big players also left, so it was always going to be difficult.

“But they’ve had a bit of a pick-me-up just recently, they won 3-1 [at Nottingham Forest] and 3-0 [at home to Bolton] in the last two games, so it won’t be easy.”

Last week’s opponents Wolves, who were seventh behind the Blues on goal difference, are also some way from the top-six fight this year.

“I don’t tend to look at anybody else’s downfall just to try and make me feel any better about it,” McCarthy added.

“We’ve continued to do well, we’ve had some bad results recently but over the piece I’ll look back on it and reflect on it and think it’s been good.

“Wolves, as I said on Saturday, they lost players, Benik Afobe, Nouha Dicko, Bakary Sako, Jordan Graham.

“Anybody who loses those players in a season is going to be affected, as anybody who loses Daryl Murphy, David McGoldrick, Ryan Fraser and Teddy Bishop is equally going to be affected.

“Brentford were different altogether, they ended up in the top six and changed it all, I guess expecting to be better. Maybe it’s a case of ‘Be careful what you wish for’.”

McCarthy says his will to win is as strong now as it was when he was a youngster coming into the professional game, something his wife pointed out to him earlier this week.

“I sometimes wonder if that sense of wanting to win is still as acute as when I was 18 and then on days like Tuesday night and Wednesday remind me that it is,” he said.

“On Wednesday afternoon when I finally spoke to Fiona, she reminded me that maybe that is the case.

“She said I’d been grumpy. I didn’t think I had. I hadn’t spoken to her, so I wouldn’t know!”

He says that desire to win continues to be what drives him on: “Absolutely it is. It’s not anything else.

“I want to win games. I don’t like being ordinary, I don’t like being 10th, ninth, eighth. Sixth, I don’t like that, but it’s a lot better than eighth, ninth and 10th and seventh.

“And, of course, in relation to a lot of other clubs it’s not ordinary what we’ve done this season, but it’s disappointing because we finished sixth last season and we’re not doing as well. Winning really drives me on.”

The level of entertainment and enjoyment provided by games at Portman Road this season has been the subject of much criticism from fans in recent weeks but McCarthy says they’re something which is important to him.

“It’s been in my mind always,” he continued. “I didn’t come away from the last three games thinking I enjoyed any of those. Wolves was good, I thought we played well there.

“Unfortunately, the opposition that come don’t have any bearing on whether they want to entertain our fans, like I don’t when I go away anywhere else.

“And I thought Charlton played particularly well. If we’d nicked a goal it would have changed it, obviously, the game might have opened up.

“I’m still interested in winning, though. I went away fuming on Tuesday night, and Wednesday. It doesn’t make me feel any better.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy continues to be linked with the vacant manager's job at Aston Villa and is now second-favourite behind Nigel Pearson with most bookies, some quoting his price as low as 5/2.

Photo: Action Images

Currie10 added 09:14 - Apr 8 It's been the wretched home record and injuries that have ruined this season. Like the style or not, it's been fine on the road at picking up points for the most part. We won 5 on the spin earlier. As a Bristol based town fan I very rarly venture to Portman Road, however, after the 1-0 win at Brighton I didn't envisage us being in this position with 6 to play. Pretty much season over, wow. The Niles mother thing doesn't help. I would rather instead of season long loans perhaps a loan until January that can be extended in a roundabout way. We'd have done well to send him back months ago after he started so well. I'm still very much in the Mick in camp. I don't wanna go back to the Jewell/ Keane days. However I have to say I'm glad I haven't been to Portman Road once all season as listening to a few games on the radio have been dire. When I met Milne it doesn't appear we're going to change approach on spending. I still find the fact Jay Tabb hasn't played a single minute this season in the league somewhat puzzling. I think we have a few issues behind the scenes this season that can be rectified next. I think we've been a little unlucky with the likes of Tommy Oar who looked a bit of a coup is so mentally weak and hasn't worked out too. For what it's worth, I think we need 4/5 in. A lot of deadwood ie Toure/ Tabb/ Coke ( why the hell was he on a 2 year deal ) Stewart ( is his deal up or has he got ANOTHER year left? ) can go then hopefully we'll have a better side next season that's more capable of dealing with some of the injuries we've had this. I hope to god we can sort the full backs out next season too. COYB.

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choppers added 09:30 - Apr 8 I can't believe the amount of 'fans' who want to get rid of mick in a heartbeat, after all the work he's done the last three seasons, he's improved the squad vastly. We may not have performed as well as last year but that for me is down to our key players being injured for lengthy parts of this season, something which happens, not micks fault. People are making out like we are lower mid table, we are 8th and there are a lot better squads out there in this league than us. We are facing a little slump at the moment, but we shouldn't be calling for his head, we should back the team. We are very lucky to have Mick #mickin

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Cheshire_Blue added 09:48 - Apr 8 The disconnect is between what a FEW fans think and what MM thinks.
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martin587 added 09:53 - Apr 8 Choppers,just how has MM vastly improved the squad this season.!!
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martin587 added 09:56 - Apr 8 Cheshire Blue,A majority of supporters are fed up with the style of play and team tactics.Who is to blame,MM or the supporters.!!
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Guthrum added 10:00 - Apr 8 Third season in a row McCarthy's had us pushing for the play-offs. Actually made it last time. Still (theoretically) could this, tho unlikely. And people still say Town are no good with him as Manager.
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carsey added 10:01 - Apr 8 peteswindon I have to object to being described as a Troll since I have supported Town for over 40 years and will be here long after McCarthy is gone. Also to those who insist on putting " " around the word fan or supporter just because they disagree with someones opinion. Only people who care tend to write on these forums so just because you don't like what they say doesn't mean you should diss them. For my part I want to see decent football on the floor by whoever is selected and if McCarthy can produce his fine, if not I would like to see someone who can in charge.

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TractorClarke added 10:04 - Apr 8 I will firstly say that i am not in the Mick OUT camp, i appreciate what he has done for us, save us from relegation and also we cant deny that some players we have may not have joined had it not been for McCarthy. I will say this however, the brand of football we play is at times appalling, i have no issue playing hoofball this season as long as we see a win and ultimately gain promotion, however that does not look like being the case. I am very much in the mindset at the moment of what ever it takes to get out of the championship, we can worry about the rest there after because the money that gives us can only benefit. But as i have already said does not seem to be the case, i do think playoffs are out of reach now, as glum as it sounds. There are people that complain about the club, there are also those that complain about the complainers however both have valid arguments. Fans and spectators pay a lot of money to watch the team play and therefore they expect entertainment and value for money, i think rightly so but within reason. We are not Brazil and whilst we have had success in the past playing pretty football we should not right anything or anyone off just because we are not playing that same brand of football. I agree that team selection, player placement and substitutions are at many times this season completely baffling. Im not the only one to have complained that Sears is playing out wide this season, i have had a moan about this more than once. It is clear to many people that there are the favorite players and no matter what, even if out of position they will play, it is wrong we can all agree with that i think, however we are not in charge and we have no idea what happens in training etc etc. I am not defending McCarthy as such for some of the things he has done this season, but my thought process at the moment is that if he left or was sacked who honestly could we get as manager? I am sure people will reply with many names, thats fine if available can be considered but really think about it, who would want to manage us that is any good? Looking in from the outside we have an owner who has been burned by other managers considering the funds they have had, although lets be honest in hindsight he has to shoulder some of that blame, therefore money has not been forthcoming for players even considering the large fees for players in recent years. I do think we are lucky to have McCarthy and to be honest rightly or wrongly i still partly feel this way, he has been there done it and worn the t shirt, he has experience that is vital in this league. It has not worked this season and i am as frustrated as the next fan, but i like to think that i am level headed enough to see the bigger picture and i am not sure getting rid of McCarthy is the answer, at lest not yet. Dont forget also that players are not entirely void of blame, there are times i am sure where players could have performed better. In conclusion people are clearly upset because despite now having some very decent players, we seem to have gone backwards from last season, and that is perfectly fine but i am not comfortable with how quick everyone can turn on the man in charge, to the point where every comment he makes he is shot down as being arrogant etc. It is only my opinion but i really do not think getting rid of the manager is the right thing at this time, i think it would make matters worse. By Mick having signed a new contract not too long ago i would imagine it was on the basis that he will have some funds this summer, so lets see what happens. We all love this club and care about what happens, but please make sure all things are considered before we all make judgements that could come back to bite us.

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blueherts added 10:16 - Apr 8 Mick wants to win but his natural instinct is to set up 'not too lose' There is a big difference in that and he will never change Let us see the line up tomorrow - Douglas and Skuse anyone ? Also Brentford lost Jota and Gray there two stand out players - look at Gray at Burnley Yes we know MM is better than the two previous idiots but that is not really a benchmark 3 and a half years on as a club we should feel there is some direction The past two Januarys have spelled out our 'ambition' especially this past one 5 wins since Jan 01 and when was the last time we actually took a game to the opposition We do have players capable - if played - Anyway lets sit back and emjoy tomorrow Positive is Dids and Bish are back ( Bish on bench me thinks) Throw in Bru , Dozzell , Feeney , Sears down the middle , Foley and move Chambers to CB and put Emmanuel at RB

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Lightningboy added 10:22 - Apr 8 Telling us fans "to be careful what we wish for"...seriously?!!! That statement has made me see you in a whole new light Mick and not a good light at that. I wish we had an attack minded manager who could fire his team up to have a real go at the opposition...we have become the footballing equivalent of snail-racing.
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TimmyH added 10:27 - Apr 8 @prebsa - I read that article in the EADT about how 'terrific' the back 4 has been in the last 3 years - FACTUALLY now letting in more goals! and how 'terrific' Skusey and Douglas has been this season and their consistency has made it difficult for Foley to get in. Okay Skusey has been adequate but we all know the story with Douglas, when Mick talks gibberish like ths it's really hard to believe anything he says! - IF the back 4 and Skuse and Douglas have been so 'terrific' and probably our best player of the season isn't one of them how comes our season is more or less over already!?! Sorry Mick it's time for you to get realistic, yes injuries haven't helped particularly in midfield...but any clubs worth their salt would have a strong enough squad to cope with this rather than relying on 13/14 players through the whole season, your management this season HAS been questionable.

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TractorClarke added 10:27 - Apr 8 I disagree with not using the last two managers as a benchmark because the damage they did i think we are still feeling the effects of. Case in point as per my last post, they spent so much money on what ultimately were players that did not hit the mark or were a gamble that our current manager who can purchase and attract a decent player does not have the funds to do so. Our team is made up of players that had for the most part only cost us from the wage budget, you are only going to get a certain type of player, however i do think that because we have Mick that us enabled us to get players like Pitman, Sears, Fraiser(loan) etc Therefore based on the above and the fact i think it has still had an effect, then i will use it as a benchmark yes. This is only my opinion and you have yours, i just wanted to make clear where i am coming from.

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HKBlue added 11:15 - Apr 8 TractorClarke.... Amen.
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vanmunt added 11:46 - Apr 8 I just wish for better quality football... that's not too much to ask.
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coolcat added 11:51 - Apr 8 Very well put TractorClarke. A balanced view of the situation as it stands. I get frustrated when we don't get the results we are hoping for. It's been a tough season. We've been cursed with injuries as well. But not in a bad position considering the situation. But with Bishop/McGoldrick back + 6 games left our fortunes may yet change..
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battyblue added 12:27 - Apr 8 Mick I have been very careful what I have wished for and I wish o I wish you would leave and stop sprouting utter rubbish when asked sensible questions
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MicksZzzTactics added 12:50 - Apr 8
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Steelmonkey added 12:58 - Apr 8 I never thought that MM would turn into such a woose when it came down to dealing with underperforming players, or does it just show what a shower of s*+t we have as back up, sort it out McCarthy or leave it to someone who can.
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StirlingArcher added 13:03 - Apr 8 if you added Murphy's goals from his tally to this season's we'd probably be up higher than we were last season at this point. how many seasons were we bottom half of the league before Mick's revival? I can't deny I'd rather have Barcelona-esque passing flowing football... but I'd also rather not be in a relegation battle every season. As for "Brentford fans didn't want Warburton to leave" as an argument... well done for completely missing the point... things changed and it didn't improve.... seriously not showing yourselves in any light of intelligence by using that as a counter argument are you?

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alfromcol added 13:06 - Apr 8 MM has not lost the will to not lose - fact
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grubbyoik added 13:32 - Apr 8 I wish it was Friday... It is ... Wishes do come true.. I wish we changed our style of play or our manager.. .. . .
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Mick_Mills_Tache added 13:42 - Apr 8 Using Brentford as comparison is a foolish thing to do anyway, regardless of whether they wanted Warburton to go or not, because they decided to use that mathmatical system that the owner uses in Denmark. So they were never going to be the same team as they were last season. Especially with losing Gray. Hkblue, I've said on here and on Facebook forums that I would rather see a younger, lower league and attacking minded manager come in. Give them 5 years to build an attacking and passing/movement team using younger players (both scouted and from our academy). I don't want instant success because we're never going to get any success without any sort of investment from Evans. I think Paul Cook and his staff from Pompey would be a perfect fit for us. As I've said before, we're not likely to go up without investment. We're not getting investment so why stick with a tactically inept, out of touch with modern football, stubborn and arrogant manager who has his favourites and plays them regardless to the detriment of the team and plays the worst football in the UK (as reported in 442 magazine)? Particularly when we pay the disgusting ticket prices that we do? £30-40 watching MM's anti-football or £30-40 watching a decent standard of football? I don't think I've ever seen so many supporters saying they're not going to renew their ST. Think that sums up the mess out club is in.

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topguy added 13:51 - Apr 8 Well its not a sensible comparison neither are, as both wolves and Brentford have lost big players, not long term injuries who the management knew where not going to be back for months and not getting in a replacement to do their job is our management failure. And Brentford after the restructure look a better and more dangerous team than us, Even when they were getting their team together they were still better to watch than us, and will win get out setting up with a team to defend 0-0 from min1 hows that a will to win, that's more like a plea to villa.

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Cheshire_Blue added 13:58 - Apr 8 Martin 587, a handful of Keyboard warriors on this site does not constitute the majority of the 17-18,000 SUPORTERS who go o Portman Road.
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Edmundo added 14:36 - Apr 8 When I first saw the photo and headline above I thought it was Mick's middle digit that was raised... Seriously though, it's not all Mick's fault, but he's part of the problem, not the solution. I'm personally not renewing my season ticket because the football is bilge (MM), we are treated with contempt by our board (Directors all yes men and women), and our club has lost direction, ambition and community (all since ME came in).

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