Poll results: Large majority of fans calling for change of manager at Ipswich Town

Lincoln's Nathan Arnold scores the last-gasp winner for the non-league side, against Ipswich. (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

They have seen their club dumped out of the FA Cup by non-league Lincoln City, hand bottom side Rotherham United their only away point of the season so far – the Millers have drawn one and lost 19 on the road – and not seen Mick McCarthy’s men string back-to-back victories together all season.

The final nail in the coffin would be relegation and while the Blues are currently five points above the Championship drop zone with eight games to go, if they don’t get their act together in their next two home games, then they could be desperate for points by the time they face play-off-chasing Fulham, and high-flying Newcastle United.

This newspaper launched an online poll on Wednesday morning – the subject? Mick McCarthy – and since then, over 850 supporters have taken part.

Significantly, 80% of supporters do not want McCarthy in charge next season and only 35% would be prepared to give him more time if he were to be afforded a more competitive budget by owner, Marcus Evans.

Rotherham United's Danny Ward (left) punches the air, as his teammates celebrate his second goal to take the visitors 2-1 up in the game at Portman Road that eventually ended 2-2. (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Interestingly, it is Evans, however, and not McCarthy, that the majority (53%) of supporters blame for this season’s demise – the Blues having regressed since the play-off season of 2015 and it being generally accepted that they have failed to fill the void left by star striker, Daryl Murphy.

It must not be forgotten what McCarthy has achieved at Town though. He rescued the Blues from inevitable relegation in 2012-13 and turned them around, culminating in a sixth-placed finish two years ago.

He has guided Sunderland and Wolves to second-tier title wins in the past and led Republic of Ireland to the last-16 of the 2002 World Cup.

With that in mind, 22% of fans feel he should be given more time at Portman Road.

Ipswich Town owner, Marcus Evans

The main gripe with the boss? Well 73% believe his tactics are the biggest factor, with a further 19% choosing team selection and just 8% blaming his record in the transfer market.

Many fans have also commented, on the back of our poll, and some of the best musings have been selected below.

‘McCarthy did a good job when he first came to the club but he isn’t right for the job now and should admit that he can’t progress the club under the limitations placed on him by the owner, with the financial straight jacket he has been put in.

Dave Bowman, Mick McCarthy and Terry Connor pictured with the Championship trophy in 2009 at former club Wolves (Image: Archant)

‘Maybe another manager would do no better but I can’t see matters improving if MM stays, unless he changes his obstinate ways and accept some of his most favoured players are no longer good enough.’

‘As a season ticket holder I have watched time and time again as Mick tries to get the players on the pitch to respond.

Yes the manager chooses the players and decides the tactics, but once on the pitch, the players need to put that into action.

‘In my opinion Mick is not the problem, we have players who are well paid and comfortable, most of which would be looking for another club if we got promoted, and an owner who has lost interest.

A new manager may bring a few results but without the players we are stuck where we are.

Will we get relegated? I think it’s unlikely, but will we ever get to the Premiership, no, certainly not with this group of players.

‘So do we change Mick? In my opinion, no.

However will next season be better? only if we get some more new blood

‘I personally think the lower leagues is where we should go shopping the players are keen and have something to prove.’

.

‘If the players are not responding to McCarthy’s methods then they’re not good enough to play at this level.

‘He has brought the players in, decides the tactics and picks the team so ultimately it’s down to him.

‘Evans is the real reason we are where we are. Take the transfer window and our “supposed” offers of seven-figure sums for two or three players and we end up with a £10k striker.

‘In 1961 we were at the top of the league, playing with local lads who had a greed and hunger to win at football.

‘So lets go back to basics and get local lads to play local football, like Felixstowe and Bury and other local teams.’

‘Done well on a limited budget but seriously time to get rid’’

‘Yeah McCarthy to go and get (Aitor) Karanka, he’s free.’