Mick McCarthy’s list of commandments is led by ‘thou shalt always put in a shift’- but what else should make the list?
Rotherham boss Paul Warne sparked talk of the Mick McCarthy commandments when he said “it is written in cement. It is like one of the Commandments if Mick McCarthy says that,” in relation to the Ipswich manager’s decision to recall loanee Kieffer Moore in January.
So what else makes McCarthy’s list of commandments? Here’s a few for starters but we want to know what else should make Mick’s list. Let us know in the comments section below.
Thou shalt always put in a shift
If there’s one thing Mick McCarthy requires from his players above all else, it’s hard work. It’s the first commandment for a reason because, if you don’t put in a shift, you won’t make it onto the field under the Ipswich boss.
Thou shalt sign good blokes
There’s a reason why McCarthy’s squads all seem so happy to be playing under the former Ireland boss, and that’s partly because he signs players of similar mindset. McCarthy has regularly referred to his players good character, both when praising them and when discussing new signings.
Thou shalt declare things to be bonkers
One word has become synonymous with McCarthy press conferences in recent years. That word is ‘bonkers’. The Championship is bonkers, match scheduling is bonkers, inflated transfer fees are bonkers.
The reason these commandments even exist is the fact the Blues require a ‘bonkers’ fee for striker Kieffer Moore.
Thou shalt always refer to players by their nicknames
Chambo, Bart, Gerks, Skusey, Waggy, Garns, Santi and, of course, Didzy. You will very rarely hear McCarthy refer to one of his players by their first name. If you do, it’s almost certainly because they have done something wrong.
Thou shalt oversubscribe the top six
Given the Championship is a ‘bonkers’ league where anyone can beat anyone else, it’s no wonder there are so many candidates to reach the top six. In the last two weeks alone Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa and Derby have all been named by McCarthy as being certainties for the top six. There’s only room for six.
So what else should make the list? Let us know in the comments section below.
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