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McCarthy: I Won't Be Driven Out By a Small Section of Fans Friday, 23rd Feb 2018 11:15
Town boss Mick McCarthy has revealed he expects to speak to owner Marcus Evans regarding his future over the next three or four weeks and says he won’t be “driven out” of the club by “a small section of fans”. He says he believes it's more likely that Evans will ask him to stay on rather than end his five-and-a-half-year spell in charge at Portman Road.
The Blues manager is out of contract at the end of the season but with Town having an option to keep him and his assistant Terry Connor for a further two years.
Despite celebrating his 26th anniversary as a boss next month, McCarthy says he still has the same burning desire he had earlier on in his career.
“I have,” he said. “And I look at my club, this club at the moment and I think about the players that are here and will be here next year if, please God for them as much as anybody, that they are injury free, and think that we’d have a good squad.
“I’ve still got to discuss that with Marcus but if Marcus wants me to stay then I’ll certainly consider that, and that’s where it’s at. Marcus has got to want me to stay, not anybody else, it’s got to be the club.”
McCarthy wouldn’t discuss what factors would come into his consideration if Evans were to offer him the chance to stay at Town.
“That’s for me and Marcus to discuss, not for public airing at the moment,” he said. “I’m due to speak to him. I speak to him on a regular basis but not about that.
“I spoke to him the other night about the game and how it went, but we’ll be sitting down to talk about that shortly.”
Although having been under-fire from fans for much of the last two seasons, McCarthy believes the club is in good shape going forwards: “Despite everything that goes on, I think it is and it’s managed well, this place is, the club is.
“I can’t always guarantee results or performances, nobody can no matter how much [money] you’ve got but it’s a good club and I’m particularly happy here as well.
“I’m not wanting to leave but - and I was asked about Luke Hyam, that’s the same, David McGoldrick as well, their contracts are up as well - there’s nothing you can do unless somebody wants you to stay.
“It’s interesting, I’m just reading Carlo Ancelotti’s book and it’s great, he talks about cycles and says that while ever you’re there you make sure you do the best you possibly can.
“But he also says it’s always nice to be loved and wanted and I thought, ‘Yes, well, it is’. Until we find out that’s the case I won’t know, will I?”
Speaking further about criticism from supporters, he added: “Listen, fans fluctuate on performances and results. And, by the way, it’s not all the fans, it’s a small section of them, I believe, that have decided that it’s me they don’t want, they want somebody else. I’ve had great support from the fans here. I’m not worried about that.”
Asked whether it would be good to get his future sorted before the club announces season ticket prices for 2018/19 at the end of March, he said: “That might affect how many are sold or are not sold! We might just keep that one in the balance, I don’t know.
“I’d hate to think me saying I was staying affected the season ticket sales. I’d like to think they went up. We’ll see.”
He added: “I’m due to speak to Marcus, I’ll be speaking to him over the next three or four weeks I’m certain. But I’ve said before, I’m cool with it.
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“For all the reasons I’ve just said, the players who are here, I like living here, I like doing the job and I’m certainly not going to be driven out by a small section of fans who are going to make my decision on that, let me tell you that. That’s not going to happen.
“I’m too long in the tooth and a bit too up to the fight for that to happen. If everybody else wants me around the place, then that would be the big decision for me.”
Whose opinions matter to him? “Marcus owns the club, his is the biggest one and I think you’ve got to have the support of him, you’ve got to have a relationship with the people above you, and I’ve got a great relationship with him.”
McCarthy reiterated that he is currently treating the situation as if he is going to be in charge next season with pre-season having been discussed.
“Yes, and talking about players for next season,” he continued. “I’m going ahead, as I said to you before, with the job of planning for it.
“I would never just down tools and stop anyway, even if Marcus came to say to me - and I doubt very much he’s going to - ‘That’s enough, we need to go’. I think it’s more likely it would be quite the opposite, ‘Mick, I’d like you to stay’, I think that would be the more likely scenario.
“But whatever one, I’ll continue doing the job until the end of the season as the good professional as I am.”
McCarthy goes through the full range of emotions on the touchline on a matchday - “I’m only 42 you know, look at me, I’ve weathered well, haven’t I?” - but says he still enjoys life as a manager.
“I still get the buzz from it, of course I do. I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t,” he said. “The disappointments are horrible but the good times are great.
“I still get the buzz from coming in here though, coming in here and doing my job and going out on the training ground and managing the club and being part of it every day.
“And then the games, that’s the highs and lows, that’s the real stuff. But I get a buzz from it every day.”
He says he’s still got the addiction for football and for winning: “I have. It’s not just the games, you can’t have just the games, of course, you can’t just turn up and have the games on a Tuesday night and a Saturday or a Wednesday night whenever.
“You’ve got to go through all this, all the daily routine, but I don’t find that routine as such, I find that really enjoyable, I love that part of it.
“All it is is the build-up to the games and that’s what everybody else cares about and I’m still lucky enough to be stood on that touchline getting happy, getting sad, getting angry, getting emotional and fired up for it every time we play.”
Photo: TWTD
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How many of you Mick McCarthy haters remember the RK and PJ era's, in my opinion they were far worst. RK wasted our spending money (which MM could of done with) and upsetting both players and fans . PJ tactics were possession football with no one was comfortable with ball to feet. I can remember the majority of the 'fans' wanted MM in when we sacked PJ.
I've cut a pasted a comment I made yesterday elsewhere, partly because I feel strongly and partly because I'm a lazy sod.
I am really concerned that a change of manager is effectively letting the owner off the hook and buys him a new period of no investment. In terms of the long term future of the club, supporters accepting a new manager as the solution is just papering over the cracks. I think it is too easy for supporters to place all the emphasis on a change of manager. Personally I feel that a key reason supporters are leaving is that they no longer feel valued or emotionally invested in the club, and that stems from the owner and management's complete lack of engagement with supporters. Until that changes I don't think it really matters who the manager is, particularly if they remain completely unfunded, and we are destined for a continued demise. Attendance has been dropped every year since 2005.
The man has driven thousands away. Inflated attendance figures are at a low. Allegedly only 9.5K actually there against Cardiff. Sesason ticket sales will plummet.
The football club is in a sorry mess. It's now clear that Evans doesn't care a jot. Shameful. Should have sacked Mick last year - but money rules. Mick makes him transfer profits. Millions. That's all that bothers him. Criticism MUST be directed towards Marcus.
It is sounding more and more like MM is staying, and almost pitching for a renewed contract currently.
I think MM does a good job results-wise with the funds he has, especially given the injuries suffered. If he stays, I think we will stay up in 2018/19 and probably finish around 15th. However, I also think the attendance will drop considerably due to the poor (and deteriorating) relationship with fans and style of play. Declining attendances = poorer atmosphere = further declining attendances = less money to spend on the team = bleak future.
I can understand why ME appreciates MM's experience and competence, but there are also many other capable managers out there and I think a fresh start could be good for everyone. ME needs to appoint someone new, give him some funds, and remind him for the 5-point plan to invest in (and play) young players.
I Will never be mm biggest fan some of what he says is true re the squad and yes if everyone was fit we would have a good squad to choose from BUT do you think this blinkered,stubborn, favourite picking ,boring,tactically negative man would ever get them playing free flowing attacking football - no chance . He is also wrong re the small minority ok it's a small vocal minority at present but there is a large silent majority that want change. The real problem is ME he has no interest or desire in our club so for him MM is the perfect low maintenance manager who doesn't moan to much keeps us at a status quo in the league so why would he change manager neither the owner or manager do not care for our long term future sad sad times ahead . Lastly next year will be very lonely in the sir Alf Ramsey upper with even more empty seats
Unfortunately it's far from just a small section of fans and there's evidence of that in the online polls, poor attendance figures, reactions of fans inside the stadium etc. I believe most fans are realistic and don't expect fantastic results to be delivered on a modest budget, but a change to a much more attractive style of play would make a huge difference. That simply isn't going to happen under the current manager.
I think there are 2 separate issues here. MM has done about as well as HE can given the budget, but Joe Royle to name but one would have done better. If MM had millions to spend, I think he would get us promoted, but we would fall straight back down. I blame ME for the state the club is in, it is shameful and embarrassing. ME should play an active part and put his hand in his pocket or get out.
I think MM has done a decent job with limited resources, However, the way he conducts himself and the relationship he has with the fans is atrocious. The F off at Norwich was aimed at the fans, we all know that. How he can show such blatant disregard for the supporters is beyond me - and ME lets him get away with it. Can you imagine Patrick Cobbold turning a blind eye to this?
I don't think our club will improve until ME changes his attitude or leaves (and I don't see his attitude changing). MM is the symptom, ME is the cause. Both need to leave.
This has to be MM bating us again,surely there is no chance!! I suggest every fan writes to ME to express your feelings then simply vote with your feet and find something more exciting to do on a matchday like watch paint dry
It's ME's decision at the end of the day. Does he want another 12-16th place finish next season with little investment or does he want a new manager in that he is going to have to substantially back? (With an unpredictable finish position). The previous two appointments ((Keane and Jewell) weren't exactly successful so it wouldn't shock me if MIck gets a contract offer. Knows the club, understands the transfer budget constraints and seems to get on well with a majority of the players. I don't agree with his reappointment but can understand it.
Just barely surviving in the Championship. That's what we are. That's what we've become. That seems to be enough for some. No entertainment, none at all. And a thoroughly miserable match day experience. I just don't get it. "Be careful what you wish for." Do me a favour! I would rather we were relegated. If we are going to operate on a league 1 budget then let's operate in league 1.
Just give me a manager that sets the team up to play.
I've been supporting itfc for over fifty years,spent decades having a season ticket,but haven't been near Pr for 2 seasons , it breaks my heart to see it's present state .all of the things great about the club have been slowly dismantled....
Archer4721, if it's only a small number of internet warriors who can't be bothered to go to games and are not real supporters anyway.... how come so many of them were at Carrow Road, getting right under his skin?
Don't let this mug wind you up. He is probably just spouting off as he knows how it will rile some. He is basically repeating what he did on Sunday, telling us all to F... O.. but without the obscene language and gesture.
For all you lot saying he could do better with more money-maybe
But it doesn't take any money to ask players to play with a bit of creativity and bravery on the ball. His entire football philosophy is outdated, puts pressure on us by constantly giving the ball away, and antagonises fans. MM OUT
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