Town boss Mick McCarthy believes a Blues win against their greatest rivals Norwich City at Carrow Road on Sunday would right some wrongs after what’s been a disappointing season for fans up to now.

“I think there’d be a lot thinking it’s not been as good a season as they expected and there are a lot of wrongs and it would right a few of them if we beat them,” McCarthy admitted.

However, while a first derby victory since the 3-2 win at Portman Road in April 2009 and a first Carrow Road success since the 2-1 defeat of the Canaries in February 2006 is the aim and what supporters most crave, McCarthy would be far from disappointed with a draw.

“So we’re 1-0 down with a minute to go and we score, do you think they’ll take that? Would that be a good point?” he said.

“A point at Norwich is certainly a good point, I’m not bothered whether you’re a supporter or whether you’re a pundit or whether you’re a journalist. With a team that’s spent that amount of money, with the squad that they’ve got.

“Listen, I’m not bothered what anybody else says, supporters or anybody, if we get a point there I’ll be happy with it.”

The last time Town were at Carrow Road the Canaries beat the Blues 3-1 in the 2014/15 play-off semi-final to go to Wembley after a 4-2 victory on aggregate, but McCarthy says there’s no lingering hurt from that match.

“I’ve had a lot of games since then,” he added. “If I carried every defeat around with me and everything that’s hurt I’d be a sad old man, wouldn’t I? Not really, that’s done, that’s gone.”

Having been under fire from supporters for a number of months, the Blues boss was pleased with the backing he and his side got during last week’s 1-1 home draw with Leeds United.

“The atmosphere was lovely,” he said. “I thought it was nice when we came out, to be honest, on the back of the previous performances, Reading at home, Villa away and Brighton away.

“We didn’t have 14,000 there, so they weren’t all there watching them but they were all taking an interest and seeing how we’d done.

“And we played well, it was a great crowd because Leeds brought a load of fans as well. But our fans have been terrific.”

Does he believe supporters have been appreciative that he hasn’t had a significant budget to work with at Town?

“I think they appreciated it last week,” he reflected. “They didn’t appreciate it five weeks ago, they didn’t give a s--t to be quite honest with you.

“I didn’t hear them singing ‘Mick McCarthy’s football is s---e but his budget’s been small’! That wasn’t the song. I think you’ll find that last bit was left off!

“But that is football and I’ve never complained about it. It’s not me that whinges about it.”

Photo: TWTD

Bluetone added 16:57 - Feb 23 Quote “But that is football and I've never complained about it. It's not me that whinges about it.” Bloody hell McCarthy you spend much of your press interviews moaning and whinging about it and much of the rest pitching into the supporters fot not calling you Mr Wonderful. -
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warktheline added 17:00 - Feb 23 I think he needs a PR manager! Beggars belief!
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cat added 17:20 - Feb 23 Looks likely we will be setting up for a draw then. MM has clearly won back a few fans with what's been a fruitful February, however, if these results had of occurred a couple of season ago when we were aiming for the playoffs (not dodging relegation like this season)) we might not have been quite so happy, after all it's only been 3 draws and 1 win. So far this season we have Played 33 won 10 drew 11 and lost 12, hardly anything to proud of MM. It always comes down to the lack of funds though, even though we apparently had some healthy bids in for players in January. I just cannot adhere to this man.

13

ClausThomsen added 17:28 - Feb 23 Derby win would right some wrongs, but Mick's gonna set up for a point. After trading punches with Brighton, Leeds, Reading and winning at Villa he's gonna go full guard against Norwich. His standard position. Get rid.
12

surgery added 17:34 - Feb 23 But you're whinging about just that ("with the amount of money they've spent") in this interview you buffoon.
8

carlo88 added 17:42 - Feb 23 Point will probably finish off their play off hopes so would be a great result.
4

sixtyblue added 18:46 - Feb 23 Watch out its time for duggy
3

Mark added 18:58 - Feb 23 “Listen, I'm not bothered what anybody else says, supporters or anybody...". I agree a point would be a good result, but why say that? Mick needs to start winning the fans back round, mainly with performances and results, but there is no point antagonising fans.
11

BlueWax added 19:59 - Feb 23 8/1 for MM to be seen eating a pie during the game.....humble pie! The fans have been crying out for more attacking football Mick and it seems you are taking note....keep it up!
1

itfchorry added 20:21 - Feb 23 Just can't help having a dig at anyone who doesnt see it his way - That is why you have lost the majority of us.
12

Westy added 21:28 - Feb 23 It certainly would
1

Garv added 21:55 - Feb 23 Couple things. An 89th minute equaliser would be welcome but I'd be disappointed if we hadn't scored a goal before that point. And a point at Villa Park would have been a good result, but three points made it an excellent result. Have some ambition man! Psychologically this puts us in a negative position before the game has started. Don't like it.
12

DirtyOldNodger added 22:24 - Feb 23 Mick in!!
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harlingblue added 04:17 - Feb 24 Mick, the supporters are all behind Ipswich Town, we pay to watch. The football fayre over the last two seasons has been pretty ordinary to say the least, sometimes due to your team selections/formation, and this year a batch of injuries to key players. Out of this perhaps a phoenix has arisen, a new formation that suits the players/fans that you have assembled during the transfer window. A return of McGoldrick at his best, a midfield with zest, choice of two out of three young wing backs up for the test, Captain Chambers in his rightful position demanding the team to attack. A cracking good bench for a change of tactics, one two or three, over to you Mick. Time to embrace the fans, get us back on board, let's head up the League, easier games ahead, a late forward push, who knows what could happen?

5

therein61 added 07:13 - Feb 24 Why should the fans give a s--t about you when you are so openly hostile towards us, and contradicting yourself every time you are in front of a microphone, pulling together starts from the top.
8

Sam added 07:29 - Feb 24 Bart, Chambers, Berra, Spence, Emmanuel, Huws, Diagouraga, Ward, Searsy and Didz. This team should attack the Norwich defence the full ninety minutes. COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2

TR11BLU added 09:17 - Feb 24 I will always get behind the team, but your time is up, regardless of Sundays game, or indeed the rest of the season. Dino out now
9

cat added 10:06 - Feb 24 Well said TR11BLU
7

Blue_Moses added 17:32 - Feb 24 I think Mick underestimates how much some of us want rid of him, one result isn't going to fix this season
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