Town boss Mick McCarthy tipped Newcastle for the Championship title after the table-topping Magpies had beaten the Blues 3-0 at St James’ Park.

“We were beaten by the better team, beaten by the champions if anything,” McCarthy said. “If I see a better team than that this year I’ll be surprised.

“I’ve just spoken to the players and that was one of those days. Having given the goal away, there wasn’t a lot really we could do about it. We were trying everything to stop them and get a foothold in the game.

“To be fair, the one pleasing thing was that we kept it at 1-0 for 70 minutes. We gave the ball away from a throw-in that we had for their second goal but nevertheless the finish was fabulous.

“All three finishes were fabulous and I wonder if we’d have had those chances or anybody else, would they have scored them, I don’t know. They were better than us, they are better than us, they’ll be champions in my view.”

McCarthy was reminded that he warned against allowing Newcastle, who scored their first goal in the opening minute, make a strong start at his pre-match press conference.

“I was the prophet of doom, wasn’t I?” he reflected. “I said I didn’t want to let them have the ball, we tried to press, we didn’t really do it particularly well, we didn’t get in a tackle.

“Maybe if somebody could have put in a tackle and put somebody on their arse and upset the crowd and got them going, but we didn’t, we didn’t get anywhere near them.

“I don’t know how many passes they had before it ended up in our net. It was difficult to stop.”

McCarthy made changes of system and personnel as the game progressed but to no avail.

“Yes, none of it worked,” the Town boss added ruefully. “And the players, they’re all knackered, they’ve all tried their nuts off, they’ve worked really, really hard and done it like they do every week for me, put a shift in.

“I can’t really say any more, they are a very good team, they played very well, they deserved to win and we got what we deserved, which was nothing.”

Was it any consolation that for a spell in second half Town made it difficult for Newcastle?

“I think we got in their half a couple of times,” McCarthy joked. “It’s not a consolation. I know my lads have worked really hard and having kept it to 1-0 in the first half, the second half at 70 minutes the crowd’s just getting a little bit fractious, they’ve passed a few balls out.

“Everybody knows that if you can keep it at that, you might get a corner and nick one, a freekick, you catch them on the break, there’s a mistake.

“Unfortunately that’s the disappointing thing, that we didn’t keep it at that and take it a bit longer, and that we had the ball [ahead of the goal], we gave it away it was our throw-in.”

Did Town miss Cole Skuse, a regular in central midfield throughout his time at Portman Road, who missed out with a toe injury.

“Whether that would have had such a bearing on it playing against them, I don’t know,” the Blues boss continued.

“He’s been an ever-present Skusey, so you know what I think of him and how important he is to the team.

“It’s never nice to leave a player of his importance to a team, but I’m just hoping he’ll be fit for Saturday.”

Regarding Leon Best’s half-time withdrawal, McCarthy said that it was tactical rather than down to an injury: “He dislocated his finger, he had it put back in. But no, I wanted Didzy on the pitch and I wasn’t going to have the two of them on the pitch.

“I didn’t think I was going lose anything, I was only going to gain something by getting Didzy 45 minutes. I thought he did all right and he’ll be a lot better for playing 45 minutes in the first team.”

Jonas Knudsen was also replaced at the break and that was down to an injury, McCarthy confirmed: “Jonas couldn’t stand up straight, he ricked his back, so he was in real pain because he is a tough lad, he couldn’t carry on.”

McCarthy was pleased with Josh Emmanuel, who took over in the unfamiliar left-back role: “Josh did fine, he was all right. He’s never going to be spraying the ball about from that position, he doesn’t particularly do that from the right-back slot, so difficult on his left. But he defended well, I thought he did really well. Josh is fine.”

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was delighted to see his side claim their fifth successive win.

“I would say it was another good win because it’s not easy to win in this competition,” he said.

“I thought we played really well in the first half, we had a lot of chances, we could have scored more goals but we didn’t do it, so we had to work hard in the second half when they were pushing and pressing high and it was not easy to pass the ball in the way we wanted to until we scored the second goal.

“After the second goal we had even more control and it easy at the end because you can see the result, but it was difficult during the game, especially the second half.”

Photo: Action Images

Kikapu added 06:38 - Oct 23 Tractorshark, thanks for your report and well done for getting up there. The only comment worth reading - by a mile.
1

lightingblue added 07:44 - Oct 23 Last season was my first season since 1983 that I not attend a game. This could be my 2nd now. Seriously I just can't bothered with it. They are no longer a priority or anywhere near it
8

grumpyoldman added 08:44 - Oct 23 I have just re read the interview, MM said "1-0 after 70 minutes was pleasing", sums up his philosophy quite well. No ambition except survival!
12

blue75 added 08:46 - Oct 23 I was listening to talksport yesterday morning the Sun's championship reporter was on talking about all games. When it came to us he said easy home win, Ipswich are the most boring team in the championship. Mick's comments have backed that up!! Even if we won every game for the rest of the season playing his way nick a 1-0 I'd still want him gone!!! We're a laughing stock!! #bringbackfootball

15

superblue70 added 08:58 - Oct 23 Bert I think you annoy me more than mm and that's saying something, players at his disposal you say, well it's his players he collected them all so if they ain't good enough it's his fault, sorry but you make excuses for the inexcusable, dropping bishop for slugless inexcusable, you seem happy to be going backwards I'm not MM OUT, BERT OUT
10

MicksZzzTactics added 09:22 - Oct 23 Agree with everyone here that finds these here MM comments to, beyond the extreme obvious ones, largely just being yet another, repeat another, load of premium horse manure .... especially all this "They are the coming Champions" (hmmm haven't we heard this one before in some form or shape during his tenure here? lol) and this notion that we/he could basically do next to nothing but metaphorically throw in the proverbial towel after their 1 minute opener (no plan B or tactical shift whatsoever), not to speak of of him absolutely never ever going to allow having 2 strikers up front (here Best & Didz) from the 2nd half start..... in a game we are trailing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To a team that despite all their potential and greatness actually had lost 33% of their league home-games this season before today btw!!! Soooo having nothing much to add on that front, I basically just wanted to chip in with a few truly telling (and deluded!!!) vintage McCarthy quotes from EADT's Stuart Watson article with the Great Dinosaur prior to yesterday's game, which I felt didn't get quite enough attention here probably partly because for some strange strange reasons :-) they were omitted (the first 2) in TWTD's own pregame article: "We Can't Afford to Be Open at Newcastle". "I KNOW you can't win games nil-nil — I fully UNDERSTAND that. We're not JUST sitting back though, far from it!" "We don't TRY and be defense-minded.... but ehhhh we are good defending!" And of course this here evergreen: "Dougie will really help. He's been TERRIFFIC! I wanted to change the team for the home game and give him a chance to be ready for this one because HE RUNS SOME MILES and we'll need that!" (Aye sure he does Master Mick, sure :-) ROFL ..... Ohhhh but let's just revisit this truly wunderbar little 26 seconds clip (also uploaded in The Forum) already gone somewhat viral on Twitter that imho aptly display how much 'Dougie The Terriffic' really really "RUNS" around ... and contribute .... pay particular attention to his mind-boggling Iniesta-like "defensesplitting forward-going" pass" when he at loooong last gets the ball, this after having quite lethargically WALKED around while repeatedly using his hands to signal his apparent dismay of not getting his skillful lead feet on it immediately once we regained position! #Ipswich number 22 looked like someone's Dad having a cameo today 🙈😂 #nufc pic.twitter.com/7p1rcHIPbF — Rachel C (@RachelC_6) October 22, 2016 Absolutely hilarious Rachel C, and while it's indeed a very short clip and sequence, I exactly like the vast majority of TWTD'd esteemed Forum posters & debaters btw, nevertheless still find it to be largely symptomatic of a "knackering" (Mick's very own words in his above always maddingly awesome postgame analyse) Snooze Doggy Douglas "shift" in this day and age). But what to do all us 'unintellingent' fans know right? :-) and obviously we should never ever forget Mick's very lastest ultra arrogant broadside also from the same interview which is that the Great Dinosaur "Is not INTO what supporters think." (He is "INTO results!") .... because as he claims "otherwise he will end up making a camel.... instead of a horse!"???!!! ROFL --------------- PS: Speaking of camels, am I the only here that thinks Master Mick , Snake Oil Salesman Extraordinaire, could very well be perfectly successful at "Sellling sand in Sahara" with his trademarklike M.E.N.S.A. worthy, totally respectull and 110% sincere argumentation??? LOL LOL LOL LOL

12

warkthelint added 09:38 - Oct 23 "I think we got in their half a couple of times "...my son's U15 team got in the opponents half more times in the first 10 minutes then McCarthy's teams in the last 12 months. Pathetic shambles of a once great club, managed over by a has-been football tactician whose time passed ages go and should be prosecuted under the Trade Description Act and derides the supporters knowledge of football and great tradition of the club in the sporting arena. These are desperate times and he should go while we have the chance to turn things round..bring back Burley please

11

Tractorboy1985 added 09:38 - Oct 23 Superb mickszzztactics.. Hopefully the dinosaur sees that and re thinks when picking his 'automatic' starting 11! Anyone who knows football and was there yesterday can surely only agree that Douglas performance was one of the worst in ITFC history! Look at how he runs.. Clearly his knees are shot! Wouldn't get into any other 11 in this league!
12

superblue70 added 09:48 - Oct 23 THIS LEAGUE tractorboy he wouldn't get in the sudbury team.
7

superblue70 added 09:54 - Oct 23 Thats a great clip by the way but nothing we dont all know, well nearly all, slugless running reminds me a bit of max wall for fans of a certain age. Personally i think MM only keeps sluggy around the place so hes got somebody of his own age to talk to, let's face it he don't like youngsters does he MM OUT
10

surgery added 10:14 - Oct 23 It would be interesting if MM were to reveal to us the numbers involved in all these bids that he's turned down every transfer window for such terrific players as Skip, Dougie (The Bolt), Excuse & The Best Defender in the League
6

martin587 added 10:16 - Oct 23 After driving all that way full of expectations ( well at least putting a little effort in) what a disappointment we were,once again. Ok,Newcastle are a very good side with quality players and the money they receive makes a big difference.There are teams as good in this league who like us have very little money,but they make the most with what they have. With the players we have,to be honest we could and should be in or thereabouts the top six.MM has one system at this club and that is to stifle other teams sit back play boring football and rely on a lucky break. We have five big problems at this club and they are,MM,Playing chambers out of position where Josh should be. Playing two defensive midfielders,nobody in midfield with vision to create a forward pass,Sears played out of position,and not replacing DM. All MM can do is talk up the opposition before or after each match irrespective of the result to make it sound as though we have done well.I really think he has run his course and is devoid of ideas as to move forward.

10

alfromcol added 10:22 - Oct 23 Anyone like to guess the team MM will put out for return fixture in April? If he is still here, not much different to yesterday I suspect. Newcastle may already be promoted by then? so we may have a chance of holding out for a draw
2

brittaniaman added 10:35 - Oct 23 Why do you think Brentford got rid if Douglas ???? (because he was past his sell by date) they seem to be doing nicely without him ??? and pleased that McCarthy took him on !!!!!
14

TimmyH added 10:58 - Oct 23 Also of note a few banging on about the players/money Newcastle have maybe also they should consider their manager too. Liverpool, Real Madrid Champions League etc he gets them to play quick incisive football on the deck, McCarthy's been here 4 years and is the quality of football any better for it? We've got a few in the squad who capable of playing the style - McG, Williams, Ward, Lawrence, Bishop but your not going to see them in the same starting line up, not under McCarthy anyway.

10

Jiffy added 11:48 - Oct 23 Marcus Stewart for manager. 2 consecutive promotions as coach with Bristol Rovers and now they're 5th in league one. Knows how to attack, might even play 2 up front....
8

runningout added 13:07 - Oct 23 how can we except that... don't care who we are playing.. Our squad maybe getting on like a house on fire, more serious stuff needed now from our lightweights
1

vanmunt added 14:24 - Oct 23 Wasn't going to post until things change at PR as I am fed up with sounding like a broken record but mickzzz that clip is a classic and the comment from a Newcastle fan is priceless..
7

Bluetone added 14:54 - Oct 23 If McCarthy was half the manager he thinks he is he would be twice the manager he really is.
6

Brownie added 15:08 - Oct 23 Long way is Newcastle! Not going to give MM stick for yesterday. Apart from being a bigger club with bigger ground,more fans and better players we are on a similar level to Newcastle.. Happy to be told different but who is going to finish above them? Can't see what is wrong with MM being honest. Realism is never a bad thing. With that in mind we should win Saturday. They are bottom of the league & we need a positive team selection. Will we get it? No & I agree MM is not the man to take the club forward. But as for yesterday I'm sorry I am not going to give him stick for that.

2

surgery added 16:13 - Oct 23 EVANS. If your manager truly believes that this person is different class, then not only must you terminate his contract with immediate effect, you need to have him institutionalised for obvious reasons. Congratulations McCarthy, you've made our club a laughingstock. And EVANS, why are you happy to have your name written all over him? Must be doing your empire a power of good. But, I suppose any publicity is better than none.

6

therein61 added 17:23 - Oct 23 I have supported this great club of ours for over 58 years home and away through thick and thin, and have always tried to be positive, but that is now at an end after yet more drivel from the manager who is taking us downwards so fast it's untrue what the hell is his problem(have the great Chambo, Dougie, Skuse a contract awarded by himself that states if fit I start!!??) he has like the league as in his quotes gone bonkers!!!!! for heavens sake go and get a job elsewhere(Ipswich and district league Sunday mornings is your level now as it is your favourites!!)and let someone come in who will pick players who want to wear the shirt and will at least show some bottle instead of playing sideways or in the sky there's a few within the club now who would do that (but of course you won't select them) who would love to prove how wrong you are with your stupid(blind) selection policy, enough said I need a strong drink.

8

surgery added 17:35 - Oct 23 The icing on the cake, and you mark my words it will happen, will be when he drops Bart and selects his other clown mate just to get back at the fans. Isn't it strange that he never labels Bart with the "different class" tag? By doing so the arrogant "I'm in charge" Yorkshireman would have to admit that he was wrong when he continued to play Calamity Gherkin just to spite us it seems. Second rate player and second rate manager

9

Bluetone added 18:04 - Oct 23 Quote surgery "Second rate player and second rate manager" not quite right third rate player and fifth rate manager.
5

midastouch added 20:02 - Oct 23 Read this article on Mick MuGarthy: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/3029371/Irish-adventure- "Mick McCarthy is a man who doesn't like change. He met his wife, Fiona, on his first day in school. She didn't like milk and he did, so marriage was inevitable. Since then, apart from an unwise flirtation with a Pythonesque moustache back in the Eighties, he has remained virtually the same person, with the same set of beliefs. He believes in loyalty, straightforwardness and honesty. Loyalty first. . . Little wonder, then, that he reacts with such undisguised contempt when asked if he will be changing his side for tomorrow's second-round clash with Spain here." So there we have it, he doesn't like change (as we all painfully know), he'll stick with the same old same old, even when the same old same old is producing the same old same old dross!!!

6

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls