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Football

10th Apr 2018

Mick McCarthy abruptly quits Ipswich after fan reaction to his decision to substitute player

"That's just pathetic... I'm out of here"

Matthew Gault

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 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Cotter was enjoying a fine debut at right-back but was withdrawn for Grant Ward in the 56th-minute.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.

“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.”