Just like that, he’s gone.
Mick McCarthy has left Ipswich Town with immediate effect.
The former Republic of Ireland manager abruptly resigned after the Tractor Boys fans turned on him when he substituted former Limerick player Barry Cotter during a 1-0 win over Barnsley.
McCarthy raged in his post-match interview, during which he confirmed his departure from the club after the ‘pathetic’ reaction from fans to Cotter’s substitution.
Cotter was enjoying a fine debut at right-back but was withdrawn for Grant Ward in the 56th-minute.
“I started with a win, I finish with a win,” McCarthy said. “You can probably see why I’m going after the reaction when I took Barry Cotter off,” he said.
“That’s just pathetic. I’ve signed him and played him. He’s absolutely knackered, he needs to come off. The boy was absolutely brilliant. I’m out of here. Sad, because I’ve loved my time here.
🎥 | Mick McCarthy spoke with iFollow Ipswich shortly after the full-time whistle at Portman Road this evening as he confirmed his departure from the Club. pic.twitter.com/TEFfbLGOkA
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) April 10, 2018
“I’ve left the club in a far better place than I found them. I said I would see the season out but it’s been a new experience and it’s not one I have been enjoying to be honest. I have continued to do my job to the best of my ability but there is something missing and I’m not comfortable with that.
“I have had a great time here and worked with some great people and to all those who have given me wonderful support over the last five and a half years – and there are many – I want to put on record my personal thanks.
“The players here can look forward to a new challenge with whoever comes in and I want to wish them, the staff and the club the best of fortunes. I’ll also be looking forward to a new challenge elsewhere. I’ve still got a lot of football in me.”
Well done to Barry Cotter who has tonight made his @Official_ITFC debut in starting against Barnsley 👏 https://t.co/v5nPfomWIe
— Limerick FC (@LimerickFCie) April 10, 2018
McCarthy had been in charge at Portman Road for six years and had already agreed to leave at the end of the season. Confirming that he intends to remain in management, it will be interesting to see where the 59-year-old ends up. He has been linked with the West Brom job after the Baggies sacked Alan Pardew.
