Earlier this week Stephen Gleeson joined the list of Irish players to put pen to paper on an Ipswich Town contract, under the tutelage of Mick McCarthy. While we might be happy to see an Irishman at Ipswich it would seem some of their fans weren't as enthused.
Gleeson had played an integral part in Birmingham City's team since 2014 but fell out of favour towards the end of last season and had only made five leagues appearances this campaign before he joined Ipswich on a free transfer. He made his debut yesterday against Bolton, coming on when his side were 1-0 down and helping them rescue a draw. Speaking to the press afterwards, McCarthy pulled no punches in calling out fans who had said the signing of Gleeson was 'underwhelming'.
Stephen Gleeson was the outstanding player when he came on. I thought he was a mile above anyone else in terms of getting it and passing it. There was a bit of quality when he turned them around and put passes up the side of them. He was involved in the goal and played well.
I saw a comment that ‘fans were underwhelmed’ by his signing. That’s why they are the fans and that’s why I’m the manager.
McCarthy actually gave Gleeson his first professional contract when he was manager of Wolves.
If you're getting a sense of déjà vu then it's probably because literally one week ago we had the article 'Mick McCarthy Bluntly Tells Certain Journalists Where They Should Go.' In that instance it was after there victory over Leeds United, where he recalled in the post-match press conference, his comments after they drew 1-1 with them earler in the season.
It was something like, 'some people might think that's two points dropped.'
And I said, 'some people can fuck off.'
Reflecting on yesterday's 1-1 draw, he said, 'I’d always take it (a point). We come up and here and I don’t know what it is… Do people think this is Ipswich Town with Sir Bobby Robson still involved and all those players and that we’re a top, top team who should come to Bolton and beat them?'
You have to hand to Big Mick for having the ability to constantly churn out fresh material after all these one all draws.
Hat-tip: eadt.co.uk
