With Ipswich Town’s play-off push ended by a 1-0 defeat at Burnley on Saturday, how do you reflect on Mick McCarthy’s first full season in charge?

The Blues went into their penultimate game of the 2012/13 campaign still in danger of relegation, but entered their penultimate game of this season still in with a shot of finishing in the top six.

The reliance on loaness has been reduced, the wage bill has been slashed, key contracts are tied up and there are seemingly solid foundations in place for a club that will play a 13th consecutive season in the Championship.

The average points claimed per game have been fewer this season (1.44) compared to the 33 games that McCarthy had in charge last season (1.60) though. As it stands, the Blues have 65 points on the board heading into their final game, at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. That’s five more than what they finished in 14th place with last season.

Do you see signs of a brighter future, with McCarthy – twice promoted from this division – the perfect manager for the impending Financial Fair Play era, or have you got concerns about the style of play and the ability to strengthen given such a tight budget?

Join Blues reporter Stuart Watson for a live webchat at 1pm this afternoon to share your views: http://www.eadt.co.uk/home/live-chat.