Town are close to naming former Wolves, Republic of Ireland, Sunderland and Millwall boss Mick McCarthy as their new manager, according to national newspaper reports. The 53-year-old and ex-Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley have always been viewed as the frontrunners to succeed Paul Jewell since the Liverpudlian’s exit by mutual consent last week.

If confirmed, McCarthy is expected to be joined at Portman Road by his former Wolves assistant Terry Connor with former Blues skipper Matt Holland, who played for the one-time centre-half with Ireland, believed to be another prospective member of the Barnsley-born boss’s staff.

A three-year deal is understood to be on the table for McCarthy, who has been out of work since leaving Wolves in February after more than five years at Molineux.

In the summer he spoke to Nottingham Forest about their vacancy prior to Sean O’Driscoll’s appointment, while more recently he has been linked with the likes of Bolton, Burnley, Blackburn and Crystal Palace.

Town chief executive Simon Clegg said last week that he was hoping to have the new appointment in place before Saturday's game at Birmingham City.

Photo: Action Images

Edmunds5 added 23:28 - Oct 29 Would be well pleased with that, Mick wont take any prisoners and has great experience and know-how, dont be put off by Terry Connor, as a coach he is very good but just isnt a manager. And our feelings towards Matty goes without saying. Hopefully we can finalise this because I would have faith that we'll move up the table.
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pazelle added 23:28 - Oct 29 I didn't like the sound of McCarthy, but that setup does sound like it's gonna win me over! Mick isn't gonna suit the red jacket though... Matty will - and Terry.
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bennyitfc added 23:29 - Oct 29 How can anyone possibly say he is the wrong man for us? He's exactly what we need! Our football isn't the main problem, it's the bad attitude spreading throughout the squad. McCarthy will instill some much needed discipline, hope he puts some of the guilty members in their place
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newbsblue added 23:30 - Oct 29 If you'd asked me a month ago whether I wanted MM as next manager, I would have been adamant that he wasn't right for my beloved ITFC. However, as the poor results continued and the full horror of the state of the dressing room and club have come to light, I feel that he is the only sensible choice. The fact that he may bring Matt Holland back to the club has to be great news. I just wish that I could convince myself that the football will be enjoyable to watch (not that it's been much fun lately!)

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Sindre94 added 23:30 - Oct 29 The more I think of it, the more I like it. COYB
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Blue_Fred added 23:30 - Oct 29 Just what the club needs, a proven motivator of men & if MH is part of the new set up all the better- now lets get on with repairing this once great club!!!!
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algarvefan added 23:31 - Oct 29 If this is true, then I'll be behind him 100%, like him very much as a man, straightforward, honest and O'Connor seems a good bloke too. Bit worried about the style we'll play but having said that he has an excellent track record and I bet some of our players are 'cacking' themselves over this one. It's a tough job Mick.....I hope you're up to it....delighted to see Holland here too, one for the future!

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Sindre94 added 23:31 - Oct 29 And the fact Holland is involved makes snow outside my house melt, sounds amazing
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warkthisway added 23:32 - Oct 29 Great news, but please dont drop the batten this time Clegg,- get him signed up. Watch out Chopra and co.--hopefully you wont know whats hit you. Good luck big Mick, we are on our way!!!
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Premiertown added 23:32 - Oct 29 Better go and read Roy Keanes autobiography again.
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groovyASH added 23:33 - Oct 29 I have a similar feeling about this as I did to when Royle came in; not someone I have particuarly liked but someone who I was secretly pleased to see appointed. If he can do half the job Royle did then I will be happy. As I always do with any new manager, I will back McCarthy. So if it is you, Mick; welcome aboard and the very best of luck!
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arc added 23:34 - Oct 29 Underwhelmed. Sorry.
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Morgan added 23:34 - Oct 29 If you had told me a year ago that we would be about to appoint Mick McCarthy as manager of Ipswich I would probably have cried or laughed. Now though I can't think of anyone I would rather have here to sort out the club. People say he doesn't play attractive football but to be honest I think that was an unfair criticism Of his Wolves side, you don't get out of a divison just playing long ball and kicking players up in the air. First things first though and that is getting this squad of souless mercenaries motivated. I can't see them pulling the wool over his eyes. Please go through, please put a rocket up these players arses - and please bring the club back together. I hope we have hit rock bottom and now we can see some kind of light at the end of the tunnel. If the back room develops as the story suggests then we will have metal, tactical and fitness , and a club legend on board. This seems like a good decision to me.

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TheCodFather added 23:36 - Oct 29 Good News! Onwards and upwards! COYB!
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NITFC added 23:42 - Oct 29 It's encouraging that most people seem happy with this proposed appointment, me included There have been too many players that we have been close to signing in recent years but then lost to other clubs. I really hope we don't lose this manager at the 11th hour too because there are plenty of other clubs looking around
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pazelle added 23:43 - Oct 29 I hope he's still got some PASSION! Matt and Terry - the stuff of dreams!
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ldnj added 23:44 - Oct 29 Doesn't fill me with joy but are there any decent managers available ... who'd really want the job ? Should escape relegation at least
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Taricco_Fan added 23:45 - Oct 29 Very welcome development. Mick Mac is the kind of no-nonsense figure we need at the club. An organiser and a disciplinarian, he should kick some behinds into shape. His brand of football may be more direct than we are used to, but it's not as bad as many make out. Always comes across as a very nice, down-to-earth man. Hope this is true.
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reuser90 added 23:45 - Oct 29 Excellent News!! (if true!) tough, honest and comes across as a decent bloke, WELCOME BIG MICK!!
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bluesman added 23:47 - Oct 29 I feel very much like when they announced Roy Keane. I thought he was wrong for us, but I thought he might do a good job because the team needed sorting out. It's a lot worse now, and McCarthy is a much better man than Keane so maybe it will work out this time. But I have mixed feelings. By the way someone was talking about the Town board being patient with managers. McCarthy (if it's him) is only our 15th manager since 1937. But we've had 5 in the last six years...

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CanadianBlue added 23:47 - Oct 29 I'd take him just for the interviews. Seems like the sort of bloke who doesn't take nonsense but can get the player's loyalty.
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cats_whiskers added 23:48 - Oct 29 Thursday, 20th Sept 2012 Jewell: We Can Turn Things Around I ended my comment: It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Mick McCarthy installed before too long, possibly in October.
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westozblu added 23:48 - Oct 29 Excellent - no time for whimsical experiments - solid disciplinarian. Will get us out of the 'nure. Pleased
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Sebastian added 23:50 - Oct 29 Wonderful, i hope he walks into the dressing room and speaks his mind. And i'm sure he will. My way or the highway, just what is needed. Lead us for forward.
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nobbyclark added 23:54 - Oct 29 Would love this to be true. Guys like Chopra need a major kick up their arse! Based in New Zealand now and it pains me to see Ipswich so low.... Loach back in goal please!!
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