Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy is prepared to work on a budget this summer.

That’s according to managing directors Ian Milne and Jonathan Symonds, who insist that there are plenty of other clubs in the Championship making cut-backs this summer.

Many supporters have grown concerned that the Blues boss, having dramatically transformed the club’s fortunes in the second half of last season, may look to move on – while his stock is high – if he was not given the funds to significantly improve his squad.

The Yorkshireman has certainly made no secret of his ambition to return to the top level – be that the Premier League or international management.

And it’s understood that a couple of deals have already stalled at the wage negotiations stage, including attempts to bring in released Norwich keeper Lee Camp and recent loanee Jay Tabb (released by Reading).

“He knows that people haven’t got unlimited funds and he’ll work within that,” said Milne.

“What he’s said publicly he’s said to us privately – he is looking forward to next season.

“He’s said what players he would like to bring here and (owner) Marcus (Evans) will go through budgets in the same way he has with other managers and listen to what they’ve got to say.

“Mick will have his shopping list, Marcus will question him on that and they’ll reach an agreement – as he did with Paul (Jewell) and as he did with Roy (Keane).”

Symonds added: “Talking to people within other Championship clubs, they are all budgeting for Financial Fair Play (new rules which encourage clubs to work towards a break even model).

“Some clubs – without naming any names – will be getting absolutely no money from their owners next season, they’ll just be working off their solidarity payments and parachute payments.”

He continued: “Mick is very easy to deal with. He knows exactly what he wants and he’s very good at conveying that. He’s signed a contract here and is a big part of what we are doing; full stop. We wouldn’t want anyone else coming off the back of last season. Everyone at the club wants him to stay.”

Milne said: “Mick doesn’t suffer fools gladly. If he doesn’t like something he will tell you and we sort it out. He doesn’t just motivate players, he motivates others within the club.”

– See today’s EADT and Ipswich Star for full feature.