Ipswich Town managing director Ian Milne has said owner Marcus Evans is ‘very aware’ of the relationship between manager Mick McCarthy and sections of the club’s fanbase.

East Anglian Daily Times: Managing director Ian Milne celebrates Ipswich Town's first-ever victory at the Stadium of Light. Photo: PagepixManaging director Ian Milne celebrates Ipswich Town's first-ever victory at the Stadium of Light. Photo: Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd.07976 935738)

Speaking on BBC Radio Suffolk’s ‘Life’s a Pitch’ show prior to Saturday’s draw with Burton, Milne was asked about what was put to him as a ‘rift’ between touchline and terrace.

The Blues MD insisted Evans was conscious of the situation, which has seen sections of Portman Road express their frustrations during and after games, but that the two men still have a solid working relationship.

“Marcus is very aware of that - ‘the rift’,” Milne said.

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“It’s something he’s looking at. We’ve got to leave this to Mick and Marcus. They’re getting on very well, we’ve got games coming up and we’ve got to get behind the team.

“We’re 12th, we’ve got the points and I think that’s where everybody’s focus should be.”

Milne went on to say it would not necessarily be left until the summer to make an announcement regarding McCarthy’s future, with the Blues boss out of contract at the end of the season and remaining non-committal regarding his future.

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“It may come before then, it all depends on what goes on. But I think both are equally focused,” Milne said.

“They’ve both said - and they’re being absolutely truthful - he has a contract to the end of the season, we’ve got a lot of matches, there’s lots still to play for and that’s what we should be focused on. It’s business as usual.”

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