With two wins in three games virtually doubling Ipswich’s points tally for the season, it is clear to see that new manager Mick McCarthy means business.
The Irishman, who took over from Paul Jewell a little over two weeks ago, has brought a new leash of confidence not only to the players but the fans as well.
There’s no doubt that there’s a lot of work for McCarthy to do as the Tractor Boys are currently in the relegation zone and in the pack of five clubs currently cast adrift at the bottom of the Championship.
We are only a third of the way through the season though and McCarthy has enough time to get Town out of this predicament they are currently in. Seen as a bit of a surprise appointment, McCarthy admits that he relishes the challenge ahead of him.
Without a home league win on a Saturday afternoon in seven and a half months, McCarthy masterminded this ill-fated statistic with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Burnley on Saturday to leave Portman Road in a state of pandemonium.
Although he endured a difficult stay in Suffolk, in fairness, former boss Jewell made some astute loan signings before his imminent departure.
Stephen Henderson, Danny Higginbotham, Guirane N’Daw, Richie Wellens, Bilel Mohsni, DJ Campbell and Daryl Murphy are all vastly experienced players who have made a name for themselves in English football. Add to this the short-term signing of Nigel Reo-Coker and it’s even clearer to see.
What didn’t work under Jewell was the sheer volume of players coming in at the same time and the need for results immediately after a shockingly woeful start to the season. It all seemed a bit desperate from Jewell and when it goes wrong with so many loan and short-term contract players playing it looks a bit of a mess.
Jewell was under huge pressure as well and his inconsistent chopping and changing of tactics, formations and player selections only harmed his side’s lack of confidence and self-belief that saw them accumulate only three points out of a possible thirty prior to his sacking – a mightily horrendous return that merits a change in manager.
As an avid Wolves fan I have a lot of time for Mick. He did wonders at Wolves when we were facing an uncertain future after selling the majority of our best players. He promised us Premier League football, and he delivered. Top bloke too.
I tipped Ipswich to avoid relegation when he was appointed. He knows what he’s dong and I am sure he can keep Ipswich up this season.
Good luck Mick!