Manager Mick McCarthy has once again insisted he will remain Ipswich manager until the end of the season while also responding to links to the West Brom job.
It’s now a week since it was announced the Blues boss will be moving on at the end of his contract, with McCarthy admitting after Monday’s draw with Millwall that he has not been enjoying his job since news of his summer departure was made public.
His comments sparked speculation he might leave before the end of the campaign but, speaking ahead of Saturday’s visit to Brentford, McCarthy insisted he will be in charge for the final six games.
“Yes I am,” he said, when asked if he intended to remain at the club until the end of the season.
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“People put two and two together and come up with five sometimes I think. I’ve never experienced this in 26 years as a manager. I’ve found it really, really strange.
“The first couple of days were a bit difficult, unusual and I can’t really describe it in many ways.
“I’m over that now, that’s gone and I’ve got my head round it.
“I spoke to him (owner Marcus Evans) before the Birmingham game. He knows I’ll cope with it and it’s not like I’m seeking therapy.
“I could have come in and said it was all fine but you would have all known I was lying anyway because I’m pretty much an open book.
“When it comes to my feelings I make it known what they are.”
McCarthy has been linked with the now vacant manager’s role at West Brom, following Alan Pardew’s sacking, but the outgoing boss insisted he has not heard anything from the Baggies.
“I haven’t (heard from West Brom) but it’s nice to be linked,” McCarthy said.
“It’s maybe just convenient that, after it’s been announced I’m coming out of work, West Brom are getting relegated and are looking for an experienced Championship manager.
“I cover those bases but it doesn’t mean they’ve asked me.
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“I would hope, if they did, that he (Evans) wouldn’t want the compensation that has been in the contract for the last few years. That would be a bit unfair.”
Following his exit from the Hawthorns, Pardew has been linked with the vacancy at Portman Road. It’s understood the former West Ham and Newcastle boss is taking a break before considering his next move.
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