What must Mick McCarthy be thinking now? Ipswich Town have sacked manager Paul Hurst, with the club languishing at the bottom of the Championship table.
Ipswich have picked up a miserable nine points from their opening 14 games, leaving them sitting four points from safety already at this early stage of the season.
Last night's defeat away to Leeds was seen as the final straw, who felt a change of manager was required to salvage what could turn out to be a disastrous season for the club.
Ipswich Town Football Club have today parted company with manager Paul Hurst.
We thank Paul for his efforts throughout his time at the Club and wish him well for the future. #itfc— Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) October 25, 2018
Owner Mark Evans had this to say on the decision.
I have decided that it is in the best interests of the Football Club that we appoint a new manager to take us forward.
I would like to thank Paul and Chris for their efforts and we wish them well for the future but after 14 matches we find ourselves bottom of the Championship and with only one win this season.
Paul’s arrival here in the summer was welcomed by us all and we worked tirelessly to support him fully with his plans for player recruitment, training methodology and backroom staff. But unfortunately those plans haven’t turned into positive results, which is why I have had to take this decision today.
Hurst was appointed in the summer to replace former manager Mick McCarthy, who left the club after a near six-year spell in charge.
The irony of Hurst's sacking was not lost on many.
A penny for the thoughts of Mick McCarthy (and, yes, I know all the complaints at the time about the style of football and it all gone a bit stale). #itfc a good club - heritage, support - so whoever gets it right.... https://t.co/REcBCDdPcJ
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) October 25, 2018
Sacking Mick McCarthy truly was a brilliant piece of business https://t.co/I6N9dKNnpU
— Smitten Kitten (@Heathyheath_) October 25, 2018
But Mick McCarthy played shit football 🤷🏼♂️ https://t.co/zboYFTFwyE
— Stephen Vincent (@Vincent_bcfc) October 25, 2018
McCarthy had overseen a number of respectable finishes for the club, including a play-off appearance in the 2014/15 season. This was despite operating off one of the smallest budgets in the division.
Despite repeatedly having Ipswich punching above their weight, sections of the club's support grew tired of McCarthy's style of play and what they perceived to be a lack of progress. It was announced in March that he would leave the club at the end of the season, although he famously walked out with four games to go due to the hostile atmosphere at Portman Road.
With Ipswich looking in serious threat of relegation to League One, I wonder would those same supporters take him back at the club now?
