Bartosz Bialkowski has moved to reassure any doubters over whether Mick McCarthy is the right man to lead Ipswich Town next season.

The Blues have slipped away from the play-off race in recent weeks and this, coupled with the style of play for large parts of the season, has cast doubts over the direction of the club.

Fans seem divided where the blame lies — with some questioning McCarthy, who remains among the favourites for the vacant Aston Villa job, and others pointing the finger of blame at owner Marcus Evans.

The problems were heightened this week with the news that season ticket sales were down almost seven per cent on the same point a year ago, but Bialkowski backed his manager to bring about a change in form.

“He is a really experienced manager and he knows what he is doing,” Bialkowski said. “He has had great success in that division [the Championship].

“There is nothing to worry about for him. It is just us. In the past few games, we have created chances but we couldn’t really score.

“If we had scored a few more goals, it might be a different story. We are all on the pitch and it is totally up to us.”

Going into another must-win match, away to Sheffield Wednesday who occupy the final play-off spot and sit eight points above Ipswich, Bialkowski understandably was not giving up all hope.

He said: “Obviously we are disappointed with the last few matches but mathematically it is still possible.

“Sheffield Wednesday might think they are in the play-offs already without a worry. We just need to go there and try and beat them and see how it goes.”

Photo: Action Images

Elto added 12:17 - Apr 15 That's the spirit Bart! COYB
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martin587 added 12:31 - Apr 15 Why are we not scoring goals then Bart.It is down to MM.If he had sorted out a midfield that could pass forward or had better vision then what we have we could well have been in the play-off's now.The strikers are only as good as the service they get.!!
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RobbieBobson added 12:41 - Apr 15 No, not in my view, he isn't. Fans are making their feelings known by not renewing season tickets. I for one will not go back until a new manager is in place or there is a significant change in tactics.
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surgery added 12:56 - Apr 15 So now he wheels out fans favourite Bart to defend him. Pathetic. The next thing we'll be hearing the learned opinion of his mate Douglas.
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theipswichman added 12:59 - Apr 15 100% agree Bart, there isn't a manager out there that would have us in a better position than were currently in. I'm embarrassed for some 'fans' that try to find something to moan about in every news story published.
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Pilgrimblue added 13:06 - Apr 15 Whilst its great to hear Bart's feelings about MM (he wouldn't say anything else!) it is clear that MM tactics have lead us to our current position. Sure blame the players if they're not performing but its MM tactics and selections that have created the situation. We could accept players not being good enough but clearly they are as we've seen at times. But when MM drops players after good performances then picks players week in week out when their contibution is poor (Douglas) surley puts the blame squarely on MM. Plus its MM who wants to get the ball up field asap so even if we had Mcg and Bish available they'd just be watching the ball fly over their heads. Negative tactics have led to negative play so a good manager would sort that out by encouraging better ball retention and forward play. Bart for instance should try to throw the ball out more often as hoofs just give it back to opposition.

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rfretwell added 13:20 - Apr 15 Good point Pilgrim Blue about our goalies rarely throwing the ball out to start moves off. Paul Cooper used to and Millsy and Burley etc moved it through our class midfield. (pine,pine)
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Kuqicoo added 13:37 - Apr 15 Good point Pilgrimblue. I never understand why it's never thrown out. Or why all players crowd over one side of the pitch when a goal kick is taken (my dad and I are both baffled by that!) The hoofing annoys me more when we are actually winning and we aimlessly punt it away giving the ball back to the opposition. So back they come again. It seems to happen time and again. Against Blackburn it was driving me up the wall. Why we do that I don't know, are they told or not good enough on the ball? I'l dont pretend to be a football expert but even I can see it doesn't work!

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Carberry added 13:47 - Apr 15 Here we go again, the ITFC PR machine splutters into action. Let's get the player of the year to endorse Mick, that will do it. Come on give us a little more credit than that. And by the way I wouldn't be getting too many players involved in this kind of spin because they might start thinking there's no smoke without fire...
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cornishblu added 14:00 - Apr 15 ...sadly Bart this is the first foot you have put wrong all season ....butbsadly based on the way you were treated earlier on in the season sensible to still have him on your side as concerningly saying the truth will probably get you dropped COYB
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marcus1642 added 15:06 - Apr 15 I don't and won't swallow any of this spin. Bart is hardly going to be a voice of dissent is he?.
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woohoo added 15:51 - Apr 15 Player supports his manager. Gosh.
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cornishblu added 16:19 - Apr 15 ...so the negative responses to my comment (Essex57 aside as no surprise there...but it still makes me laugh ....thank you) suggests that Bart was treated with respect post the tragic news of his father passing away ........you lot really do have Mick Specs on....unbelievable !! COYB
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MrDiddle added 16:24 - Apr 15 It's a shame some of the fans don't @woohoo. I'm sure they'd still be on here slating something to do with the club if we were top of the premier league.
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TimmyH added 16:25 - Apr 15 Yet another player supporting the manager and saying that fellow players have to perform, as it's a collective issue then Bart you don't have to point the finger at anyone...and that's the problem!...by supporting your manager 1. your looking after number 1.(quite literally) 2. don't drop the soap in the showers
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TimmyH added 16:29 - Apr 15 ...we'd never have managers sacked if it was down to the players.
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woohoo added 16:38 - Apr 15 @MrDiddle - everyone is entitled to their opinion and you could probably even find a Leicester fan who would say that they aren't happy with the way they play! Personally, I believe that MM did a great job with little backing to dig us out of a hole when he arrived. The fact that we seem to have regressed this season is a disappointment - but I will be at PR again next season, whoever the manager is!

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planetblue_2011 added 16:43 - Apr 15 Yeah to be honest mick has got in the best players he can with his no budget. I do blame Evans if he gave Mick 5mill in Jan to sign 2 or 3 good players then we could be well in the playoffs with sheff wed. If we are to do anything next season we need at least 10mill to spend on a Rb, creative Cm, Lm, Rm depending on Feeney & maybe a striker see how the fitness of McGoldrick goes. Think playoffs is a hard ask for this season we need to plan for next season & give the youngsters a go as well, Clarke, Kenlock, Emanuel, Benyu, McDonnell, & Dozzell. Emanuel & Kenlock could push for full back positions next season. 1.0 town tomo just to make it interesting!!

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Penguinblue added 16:44 - Apr 15 Blame is all with McCarthy How cynical to use Bart McCarthy OUT
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jonbull88 added 19:23 - Apr 15 Penguinblue you really are a class A tool. The press want to talk to Bart and ask questions, just as they have all the team through the season yet for you it's just another chance to bash Mick. Cheer up and change the record.
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bluey123 added 19:54 - Apr 15 What is the matter with people defending McCarthy do they ever go and watch this rubbish week in week out McCarthy prehaps he did save us but that was 3 years ago he should walk away if he had any honour instead he takes thousands a week giving us rubbish
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geminimustang added 20:20 - Apr 15 Promotion was lost during the January transfer window imho.Was that the fault of MM or ME? Probably a bit of both but my guess would be the extravagant salaries footballers and their agents are wanting.Big Sam stated during his time at West Ham,the salaries and add-ons you read about are nett,not gross plus free houses,free cars.Maybe,less so in the Championship but i think MM & ME are sensible enough to know when to pay and when not to pay.Keep the faith,season not quite over yet.

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blueboy1981 added 20:35 - Apr 15 The players daren't say otherwise - is the reality of it all - whatever they think.
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distractored added 03:34 - Apr 16 Our current and last two managers have all had success in getting teams promoted from the Championship, but have failed in their efforts with ITFC. The fingers now need to be pointing at the owner, not the manager(s).
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Keaneish added 07:03 - Apr 16 Can you imagine being a villa fan being linked with McCarthy after the years of bad football they've had to endure? That said, id be delighted if he went. Warburton in.
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