Mick McCarthy: Ipswich Town manager to leave Portman Road at the end of the season
Ipswich Town have announced that manager Mick McCarthy will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 59-year-old arrived at Portman Road in 2012 and is the longest-serving manager in The Championship.
His current contract expires in the summer, and both the club and McCarthy have now agreed that it won't be extended.
McCarthy has consistently worked under a limited budget during his time at Ipswich, but led them to The Championship play-offs in 2014/15, where they eventually lost in the semi-finals to rivals Norwich City.
Both McCarthy and assistant manager Terry Connor will see out the remainder of their contracts, before moving on following the final game of the campaign against Middlesbrough on May 6.
“Mick and I had a discussion and we both agreed that this was the best way forward for him and for Ipswich Town,” owner Marcus Evans said.
“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.
“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 has seen his relationship with fans break down in recent months, while attendances at Portman Road have also dwindled.
McCarthy said: “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.”