Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans has paid tribute to outgoing manager Mick McCarthy, insisting the time is right for the two to part ways.
It was announced this morning that McCarthy will leave Portman Road when his contract expires in the summer, after nearly six years with the club.
Evans and McCarthy met on Wednesday night to discuss the future, with the Blues owner saying a new contract for McCarthy was not discussed as they agreed to part.
Evans praised his manager for the job he has done at Portman Road, including saving the club from relegation in 2012/13 and then leading them to the play-offs in 2014/15, while insisting the pair will part on good terms.
MORE: Mick McCarthy to leave Ipswich Town at the end of the season
“Mick and I had a discussion and we both agreed that this was the best way forward for him and for Ipswich Town,” Evans said.
“It never got to the point where we actually talked about a new contract. It just felt right that it was time for us both to look at different options.
“Mick has been a fantastic manager for this Football Club, ably supported by Terry who has also been invaluable in the development of the team.
“When Mick arrived, we looked to be on the way to relegation. He saved us from that and then took us to the Play-Offs within two years.
“In his six years here he has made us a very competitive club in what is a very competitive league. No one looks forward to playing Ipswich.
“He has also been instrumental in developing our youth policy and has overseen the progress of a number of our young players from the Academy into the first-team and nurtured their development in line with the Club’s strategy.
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“He’s immensely popular with all the staff at Portman Road and has built a strong backroom team who will provide important continuity as we move into a new era.
“On a personal note, I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with him which is vital between owner and manager at any football club.
“Mick will see out his contract here and then we will look to make an announcement regarding his successor in due course.
“In the meantime, I want to put on record my sincere thanks to Mick for the job he has done here as our manager and urge supporters to get behind him and the players so that we can finish the season as strongly as possible.”
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