Mick McCarthy will be focused on three points rather than proving a point to his former employers when he returns to old club Wolves on Saturday, according to Ipswich legend Bryan Hamilton.
McCarthy returns to the club which sacked him in 2012 for the fifth time as Ipswich boss on Saturday, looking to extend a record which has seen him remain unbeaten in his seven matches against Wolves as Blues boss.
Hamilton, who made more than 150 appearances for the Blues in the 1970s and later returned to the club as part of George Burley’s coaching staff, has been impressed by the Blues improved form this season and sees no reason why McCarthy’s men can’t return from Molineux with points in the bag.
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“Well that’s that, then, they don’t need to go at all and they’ve got three points already,” the former Northern Ireland boss joked when told of McCarthy’s record when returning to Wolves.
“To be fair, there have been games where you have not given Ipswich much of a chance but they have raised their standards and done very well. I’m assuming Mick will have them well wound-up at one of his old clubs and will want them to do well.
“I never looked back too much. I remembered my times at different clubs of course but at the end of the day it’s just another game.
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“As far as I know the whole Wolves structure has changed with new owners and everything. What Mick left behind has changed dramatically and he will just want his team to do well and win the match. Simple as that.”
Hamilton, who also managed Tranmere, Leicester and Norwich at club level, still keeps a firm eye on proceedings at Portman Road and is pleased to see improved performances and results so far this season.
“I thought we were a bit fortunate last Saturday but at the same time managed to score some important goals and, if you can get results like that then the Christmas period can be very good for you,” he said.
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“Last season was difficult and it wasn’t the football everyone wanted - results certainly weren’t - but the start this season was fantastic and it lifted everybody.
“I hope they can carry on. Are they Championship-winning material - I’m not sure, but they are definitely better than last year. If you keep improving every year that’s all you can ask for.”
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