Town have confirmed that manager Mick McCarthy and his assistant Terry Connor will be leaving Portman Road at the end of the season.

McCarthy met owner Marcus Evans on Wednesday night and, according to a statement on the club website, “decided the move was in the best interest of all parties”.

The former Ireland boss, who took over at Portman Road in November 2012, and Connor will stay in charge for the remainder of the season. The duo's contract is up in the summer.

“Mick and I had a discussion and we both agreed that this was the best way forward for him and for Ipswich Town,” Evans told the club website.

“It never got to the point where we actually talked about a new contract. It just felt right that it was time for us both to look at different options. “Mick has been a fantastic manager for this football club, ably supported by Terry who has also been invaluable in the development of the team.

“When Mick arrived, we looked to be on the way to relegation. He saved us from that and then took us to the play-offs within two years.

“In his six years here he has made us a very competitive club in what is a very competitive league. No one looks forward to playing Ipswich.

🗣"I went and spoke to Marcus and after having that chat we both decided that it's probably best if we go our separate ways."

Mick McCarthy to depart the Club at the end of his contract pic.twitter.com/nnwthDmKk7

— Ipswich Town FC (@Official_ITFC) March 29, 2018

“He has also been instrumental in developing our youth policy and has overseen the progress of a number of our young players from the academy into the first-team and nurtured their development in line with the club’s strategy.

“He’s immensely popular with all the staff at Portman Road and has built a strong backroom team who will provide important continuity as we move into a new era.

“On a personal note, I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with him which is vital between owner and manager at any football club.

“Mick will see out his contract here and then we will look to make an announcement regarding his successor in due course.

“In the meantime, I want to put on record my sincere thanks to Mick for the job he has done here as our manager and urge supporters to get behind him and the players so that we can finish the season as strongly as possible.”

McCarthy added: “I had a good discussion with Marcus and we feel this is the right thing to do for me and for Ipswich Town.

“I have loved my time here and I am proud of what I have achieved over the last six years - and the relationship I have enjoyed with the players and all the staff at the club in that time.

“I won’t be leaving with any regrets. I have given everything for Ipswich Town and I will see out my contract in the same way.”

Photo: TWTD

Gforce added 13:00 - Mar 29 The correct decision has finally been made,in all honesty this probably should have happened over a year ago,after the Lincoln debacle. However the first couple of years were encouraging,but unfortunately couldn't keep it going.But good luck in your next job(providing its not Leeds 😁😁) Now onwards to the never ending speculation over who the next manager might be !

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Colin64 added 13:05 - Mar 29 Would hopefully have been a different out come had all our creative midfielder's had not been injured after a good 1st half of the season, some decent football and plenty of goals!. Now for a fresh approach with a younger management team - Lincoln not that far away ME. But please not Steve McLaren!
1

Northstandveteran added 13:09 - Mar 29 Initial reaction a massive smile on my face and a yeeeeeeeeeeesssss! I think Marcus Evans words are worthy of a second read as I think they sum up the majority of fans thoughts and that includes those of us that wanted the change. Hopefully the last few games of the season will be played out in a less sterile atmosphere, Mick is shown some respect and stop the divide between fans. EXCITING times ahead fellow posters, the sun is shining and maybe, just maybe, we can dare to dream again. Come on Ipswich!!!!!!

5

toxtethblue added 13:14 - Mar 29 Should have gone after the Lincoln humiliation if not before, stubborn arrogant and boring. Good riddance.
4

ricardo55555 added 13:16 - Mar 29 Think McCarthy has done really well for us over the 5 years however I lost my respect for him after I went to Burton this season. I think we can all agree it is like he says "best for all parties" that he goes now Danny Cowley 2/1 take him young and amitious
0

horsehollerer added 13:18 - Mar 29 This news story is really separating the majority of classy TWTDers from the unsavouries. It has nothing to do with inners vs. outers, forum posters vs. news commenters, or any other labels. Well done Mick for the job you've done. Well done Town for doing the right thing. Well done to most fans for being able to recognise both. COYB.
4

WorcesterBlue added 13:19 - Mar 29 The right decision but I am amazed at the level of support now being offered to Mick. I'll be honest I've never been a fan as I think he is out of touch, arrogant, a poor coach/tactition and ruins teams - based on all my observations over the years. But lets look at the facts: 1. He kept us up. Well done Mick but then so many other capable managers could have done so too. 2. He has worked on a budget. Yes he has but that is no excuse for playing atrocious football and in actual fact is a good reason to play youth. Lots of other managers do better with less. 3. He develops youth. No he doesn't - he stifles it and takes players versed on playing good football and either gets them playing his crap or destroys them. Throw in his dreadful attitude to fans (everyone in fact), appalling record of scouting and recruiting players which is based on luck rather than design and once again his awful football and there is very little to love. I do worry for the future as he has a track record of leaving clubs in a worse state than he finds them (Ireland, Wolves, Sunderland) albeit after some short term improvements. But I feel a whole lot better knowing he is off and hopefully ME has learnt his lesson and will bring in a proper coach/manager who can develop our youth, play a better brand of football and rebuilt trust with the fans. I couldn't give a fog about the Premiership which is a pipedream for a club like ITFC. I just want my club back.

10

jjhbruno added 13:21 - Mar 29 People telling others to now show him respect after his many many ridiculous comments/outbursts. Here's 2 fingers, that's about the same level of respect he gave to media/supporters unless they kissed his backside. Thanks for the first 2 years, the last 2 1/2 were truly diabolical. Glad we can move on now.
6

Spanishblueblood added 13:21 - Mar 29 There is a god afterall. I think he should be given the send off he deserves and everyone should tell him to FLICK OFF! Over to you Marcus, you better get this one right or you're next!
2

warktheline added 13:22 - Mar 29 Why till end of season? Should've shown him exit door and installed the new manager immediately ! Sorry for the 'moronic' remarks, and commiserations to the 'happy chappies' !
5

londontractor85 added 13:22 - Mar 29 This is definitely the correct decision. Thank you for your efforts Mick and best of luck for the future. I hope ME has been on the phone to Lincoln to ask how much they want for the Cowley Brothers. It would be good to see a younger manager given a go at this level and the Cowley's get my vote all day long.
4

pegasus added 13:30 - Mar 29 Haven't time to read every post, so I guess there'll be stuff here that many others have said, but here goes. I think this is the right decision for all parties. The important thing NOW is that for the last matches, everyone on the terraces gets behind the players on the park with vocal support, and show respect for the outgoing managerial team which, I have to say, hasn't always been reciprocated. Mick McCarthy has kept us in the Championship, and we should be grateful for that. Now, we have to hope that there will be a new, young, imaginative, manager/coach, and that our gifted young players stay at the club, ready for next season.

1

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 13:37 - Mar 29 I think Mick achieved pretty much what anyone could have achieved with the resources he was given, although it wasn't much fun most of the time. I'm not sure anyone else would have done much better results-wise. But we had reached an impasse. Relationship with the fans had largely broken down, and as the press release says, this was "best for both parties." Mick's "call a spade a spade" approach had become rather boring and almost counter-productive. Like many, I hope for a young and up-and-coming manager who will communicate better with the fans, develop our youth and bring back the feel-good factor to PR. Big decision now for M.E. I wonder if he will get it right or continue to stare blindly at the £ signs.

4

baxter7 added 13:40 - Mar 29 Now for Evans to sell up and a multi millionaire to buy itfc and put a manager in who plays attacking footie so chambers and skuse you won't be first on the team sheet every week goodbye mcarthy now go and lose another clubs fans with your boring defensive crap
4

Gazelle added 13:48 - Mar 29 Steve McLaren, No no no no no
11

bingboast added 13:53 - Mar 29 Whats the betting odds for his getting another Championship post & his coming back to haunt us?
-1

jim9 added 14:00 - Mar 29 Let's hope that all of you who are happy now that MM is going are still as happy when the new guy comes in.
0

smithy0981 added 14:04 - Mar 29 Needed to be done, fresh start. MM done a great job with no money and I hope he gets a good reception on Monday. However this does not sort the problem of having an owner with no ambition. Who the hell is going to want to come to ipswich with no money available. I'm afraid until events sells up or decides to spend we're not going anywhere
0

blueboy1981 added 14:05 - Mar 29 Well Mick - you made a rod for your own back. Most people, including myself, wanted you to change, and in so doing like you - but you are a one trick pony, a stubborn and arrogant one at that. As far as a Manager is concerned, possibly non better, at holding mid table Championship with or without money to spend. But this is ITFC and we want more, and better than that. An identity that is ITFC pedigree - never to be removed. Just look at the two men standing proudly outside Portman Road for confirmation of this - not a single one of us should ever let such men down, by being otherwise.

10

geminimustang added 14:06 - Mar 29 As a huge fan of MM & TC,i'd like to thank them for everything they did for ITFC.Bringing players in on loan because of the status they have within the game.Selling on players for huge profit.For saving the Club from certain relegation and then making the play-off's.However,the decision to go is correct and i'm going too.I pinned my colours to MM's mast and will fall on my sword wih him.I believe ITFC will regret today.I've purchased a couple of road bikes,an exercise bike and will attempt to get fit.I'm done with some the nonsense i read on the forum which has contributed to us losing an honest,hardworking Management team.Goodbye and good luck for the seasons ahead.

-8

TimmyH added 14:09 - Mar 29 Look East mentioned that McClaren was the favourite to take over the job, wouldn't at all surprise me if this happens knowing Evans track record - from one possibly past it manager to another, failed with England, failed at Twente, got to the play-offs with Derby (on a good budget) and then flopped and predictably failed with Newcastle. Big no from me!
7

blue75 added 14:09 - Mar 29 So glad that this decision has been reached I am grateful to mccarthy for saving us and nearly getting us up. But the time has well past for his departure so I wish him well for the future apart from when his new team plays us. Looking forward to all those stay away fans returning and whoever is the new manager lets give him proper chance to implement his vision.
0

TimmyH added 14:11 - Mar 29 I'd have Burley back any day over McClaren...
13

DebsyAngel added 14:12 - Mar 29 Best decision all round. We will always be grateful for what he did for us when he came in, and a couple of seasons after - but this was an inevitable outcome, as the relationship with the fans has sunk to an all time low. Best of luck Mick and Terry. Think also the season ticket sales will be boosted with this news.
1

black_shuck added 14:12 - Mar 29 Why isn't he leaving this week? Why waste the rest of the season on one man's fragile ego? It will take 5 years to recover from Big Mick, why don't we make a start today?
1

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