Mick The Man Has Promotion Plan!

Winning at all costs versus Football entertainment? what side of the football fence do you sit?

Whether it is a good plan or not remains to be seen because Mick McCarthy is the personification of pragmatism.He has been given a target and that is what he aims for. There is nothing in his plan that suggests he has to provide supporters with entertaining football and let`s face it, this is not the man`s style.

With Millwall, Sunderland, Wolverhampton Wanderers and even when he was the boss of the Republic of Ireland, he did not produce exciting football but he did produce results!

Perhaps he, and only he, can get the best out of Ipswich Town football club and make our thirteenth season in The Championship a memorable one. He has been given a mandate by Marcus Evans, which would make most magicians scratch their heads. I want you to get us to the Promised Land in whichever way you see fit but there is a catch. You are not allowed to spend any money in the process, as I forked out enough on those other two clowns and look where that got us! Most managers would have either walked, or kicked up one hell of a fuss about such a seemingly impossible target but not Mick the Man!

He has learned over the years that he really does have the gift of miracle making and can turn water into wine! Yes, of course he would like more money – or even some money to spend on players but the challenge of turning those bland rocks into precious stones is a more fulfilling experience because it really does test his managerial abilities to the full. Born in Barnsley and bred with true Yorkshire grit, this man sees things in black and white and being careful with money is a renowned regional trait anyway!

If it is entertaining football you are after then forget it. Mick McCarthy wants points on the board at all costs and anything else is a bonus. That said, what do we as supporters want, given that stark choice? Do results matter more than the fare on offer? Is winning all that matters and will winning alone bring the fans back to Portman Road? As Town fans what do you think?

Frank Weston – Editor Vital Ipswich