Mick McCarthy has had quite a lengthy career in management, although there were suggestions in recent years that he was no longer an ideal fit in the modern game.
His second spell with Ireland was plagued with questions surrounding his team selections and tactical approach, with many feeling he was far too conservative.
Since then, he had a brief spell at Cypriot club APOEL Nicosia before joining Cardiff City in 2021. While his time in Wales would start brightly, he was ultimately sacked after nine months on the back of eight consecutive league defeats.
It was difficult to see where the 63-year old would go from there, although it now looks as though he is set for a return to management.
Mick McCarthy set to take over Championship club
Numerous sources are suggesting that Mick McCarthy is set to be announced as the next manager of Championship side Blackpool.
The club currently find themselves in the relegation zone in the division, sitting in 23rd place and three points off safety. Former manager Michael Appleton sacked yesterday after only seven months in charge.
Were McCarthy to take the job, he would link up with Ireland international CJ Hamilton and former Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers defender Andy Lyons.
It is rumoured that he would arrive on a deal until the end of the season, with the club's owners clearly on the hunt for an experienced manager to lead the group away from relegation trouble.
However, the reaction to the potential appointment has been rather mixed.
Many Blackpool supporters are furious with the news, believing that Mick McCarthy is past his sell by date.
This Mick McCarthy story has to be a wind up. He's a serial failure, plus a bell end. He might keep us up but at what cost. Short term decision making suggests to me that the club has some fundamental issues. https://t.co/Waip3y8CbK
— Tangerine Dreaming (@Tanger_Dreaming) January 18, 2023
Mick McCarthy … what a fucking dinosaur!
— Zack Coultas (@CoultasZack) January 19, 2023
It has been an emotionally challenging day to be a Blackpool fan. If Mick McCarthy is the answer, I seriously don't want to see what the question is... pic.twitter.com/8HowRbHp8M
— Nick Bell (@nickbellofbpl) January 18, 2023
See the news of Mick McCarthy going to Blackpool is going down very well on there forums. pic.twitter.com/3R9T5GQWQ0
— Connor (@CjgMng) January 19, 2023
The Mick McCarthy rumour hasn’t been plucked from thin air. As a temp measure it might work, long term it won’t. I’d be underwhelmed to say the least if it’s MM
— BigBants (@BigBants) January 18, 2023
Mick McCarthy will instill a side to us that has been lacking, but can't help but feel it's a short sighted choice. We did a massive overhaul including transfers and change in style, and have ditched it at the first sign of trouble. This squad is good enough to "play" and stay up
— Isaac Selley (@Iselley10) January 18, 2023
It is fair to ask questions about McCarthy's arrival, especially when you consider that he seemed to quickly run out of ideas during his most recent spell in the Championship with Cardiff City.
In saying that, many of their fans see it as a sensible appointment for remainder of the season.
Mick McCarthy fucking mint appointment if it comes off we need stability he’s got that would love him
— Matty Holford 🍊 (@mattholford4) January 18, 2023
Mick McCarthy in the past has got Ireland to a world cup last 16 and has won promotion to the prem with Sunderland and Wolves. But let's all focus on his last 8 games with Cardiff eh...
Swear we could get Pep in and out fans would find something to moan about 😂😂— Adam Taylor (@seasider_adam) January 19, 2023
Lets give Mick McCarthy until the end of the season then we can see what he does. If he keeps us up then his contract should automatically be extended. This should then be given to him for one year or two years to improve the squad simple as that.
— Matthew (@mattywazza) January 19, 2023
We need someone who has plenty of experience in the Championship, and Mick McCarthy certainly has that.
So instead of some of our fans getting on his back already before it’s even been announced, just give him a chance will you
Anyone that can keep us up is good in my books— Cole Clayton (@ColeClayton1995) January 19, 2023
Blackpool fans now moaning about Mick McCarthy. Couldn’t make it up. We’ll be in League One next season, and it’ll be because of the fans negativity more than anything else.
— UpThePool (@OxfordSeasider) January 19, 2023
Something for those questioning Mick McCarthy to think about, he's managed 78 games at International and almost 700 games at Championship and Premier League levels. Just think about that compared to some of the names being bandied about. 🤔🍊🍊🍊
— Sean 🍊🍊🍊 (@53BFC53) January 19, 2023
It is said that Blackpool are hoping to have a manager in place for this weekend's game against Huddersfield Town, meaning we can expect to hear some official news on this appointment very soon.
It will be interesting to see if Mick McCarthy can reverse some of the opinions that are held about him at the moment.