‘I don’t know what they were trying to achieve’ - McCarthy insists fan reaction won’t hasten decision on his future

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy is out of contract this summer and yet to talk to owner Marcus Evans about his future. Photo: Steve Waller (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Following five-and-a-half years in charge, the Blues boss is due to be out-of-contract this summer and is yet to speak to Evans about the issue with season ticket price announcement time just days away and only nine games of the campaign to go.

Attendances at Portman Road have hit a near 20-year low and the atmosphere turned toxic during Tuesday night’s 3-0 defeat to Hull City.

“The more people give out stick to me the more belligerent I get – so, you know, be careful,” said McCarthy, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Championship game at Bristol City.

MORE: Full transcript: McCarthy speaks passionately about his future, Evans’ silence and fractured relationship with fans

“The situation we are in (12th) isn’t as bad as the reaction. The atmosphere was a disgrace on Tuesday night. I don’t know what they were trying to achieve. If it was to try and get me out then it’s not achieved anything because I’m not going to leave.

“If it was to try and put pressure on Marcus to sack me, well I’m still here. And I’m certain I’ll still be here for Middlesbrough at home (final game of the season). We’ll see.”

“I’ve said before ‘be careful what you wish for’. I think there will be a fair amount of people who give me support and want me to stay, but that’s not been resolved. I’m actually comfortable with it. I’m cool with it.”

Asked if the current mood could have been avoided if his contract situation had been sorted sooner, McCarthy replied: “What if I’d have turned around and said I wasn’t staying? I wonder how that would have affected the whole piece? That would have been remiss of me and very unprofessional.

Town manager Mick McCarthy calls his players around him at the end after the Blues lost 3-0 to Hull on Tuesday night. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

“And what happens if Marcus had come out and said ‘I am not keeping him’. How would I have felt about that and everybody else?

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“That might have been throwing their hats and knickers in the air and dancing on the tables – I haven’t got a clue. But I’d have still been here. I wouldn’t have walked. No way.

“I said I had my 12 months at the end of last season and that I would see my job out. And that’s what I intend to do.

“If Marcus wants to extend that then I will consider that, certainly. And I might consider it even more now with all the people trying to get me out just to really annoy them.”