Mick McCarthy has been ‘an absolute godsend’ to Ipswich Town.

So says captain Luke Chambers after the Blues’ 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest continued some excellent momentum heading into the busy Christmas period.

Thirty points from the opening 20 games represents Town’s best start to a campaign since 2004/05 (in which they finished third), while six away games undefeated has been achieved for the first time since 2003/04 (in which they finished fifth).

Having inherited a side that was rock-bottom of the Championship table little more than a year ago, the progress under McCarthy has been incredible considering the tight transfer and wage budget he has operated on.

With the Blues having suffered just two defeats in 12 to remain within three points of the play-off places, many are daring to dream this could be the Suffolk side’s season.

“The manager has been an absolute godsend for this club in my opinion,” said Chambers. “We’ve become a different team under him and I don’t think he’s spent a penny.

“We had a few horrible results at the start under him (5-0 loss at Crystal Palace and 6-0 defeat at Leicester), so the development to now from where we were is huge.

“We’re not getting carried away, but we do feel we know what it takes to get results. I don’t think we’ve been too far away all season with our performances, something has just clicked of late and we’ve managed to get on a bit of a role.”

Town’s squad may not be packed with multi-million pound signings, but McCarthy’s well-rounded man-management and emphasis on hard-work and organisation has led to his spirited squad consistently proving competitive.

“He instantly demands respect when he walks into a room without being an authoritarian,” said Chambers. “And he treats all his players with respect too.

“When you’re not playing he makes sure he speaks to you in the same we he does with the lads who are in the team. Take someone like David McGoldrick, who has probably been our main man. He treats him exactly the same as he treats a youth team player who has come in to train with the lads.

“He’s very good at setting the team up too. You know that if you’re not working at 110% and not running your absolute socks off then you won’t be playing.

“You just want to do well for him. There is never any grudges if someone makes a mistake.”