Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy believes his football intelligence often gets overlooked.

With his side requiring a maximum of four points from their remaining two games to seal a Championship play-off place, the Yorkshireman could yet finish the campaign as the first manager ever to lead three different clubs to the Premier League.

Today, this newspaper carries the Blues boss’ most revealing interview yet from his two-and-a-half years at Portman Road.

“I think there’s a side (to me) that people don’t know and that doesn’t get recognised,” said the 56-year-old. “I think there’s a brighter side, an intelligent side, with regards the football that gets lost a little bit.

“I’m not one to talk it all up and make myself sound super intelligent football wise, but you don’t have the record I’ve had without knowing a bit about the game.”

McCarthy led the Republic of Ireland to the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup and won Championship titles with both Sunderland and Wolves.

His man-management skills and ability to mould a team whose whole is worth a lot more than the sum of its parts is often praised, but there are still some who see his tactical approach as ‘old school’ and limited.

“I had seven years as an international manager and the tactical side of it was pretty damn important then,” he said. “I think that’s one of my strengths actually.

“I’ve always been ably assisted, but in fairness I went to the World Cup with Taff (Ian Evans), I won the Championship with Taff (at Sunderland) and I won the Championship with TC (Terry Connor, at Wolves). Maybe there’s a common denominator there?”

– See today’s EADT and Ipswich Star to read the exclusive in-depth interview. McCarthy opens up about his upbringing, family life and how there is far more to him than meets the eye. Part two – on Marcus Evans, his open door policy and how he’s improved as a manager – will be in tomorrow’s papers. E-editions are available to purchase at: www.eadt.co.uk/home/e-edition and www.ipswichstar.co.uk/home/e-edition.