Signed a 3yr contract. Out of the blue. Single-handed kept this club out seriously spiralling down. Best news, cue Wolves thud 3 past him tomorrow! Wonder what kept him here?
I suspect his family had a big say in proceedings. His wife and young daughter are very settled and happy in Suffolk, so it would have taken a very impressive offer for them to move out of the area. This is of course great news and hopefully the new manager coming in this summer will benefit from having him in between the posts beyond the summer transfer window. While his distribution needs to be improved and he has made several errors this season, Bart is comfortably the best goalkeeper we've had here for a number of years and he is widely recognised as being one of the best goalkeepers in the division (up there with Villa's Sam Johnstone and Derby's Scott Carson, who is having a career renaissance this season). As Gaffer has pointed out, he was one of, if not the key player who prevented us from being relegated last season.
Nugs, What new manager, you dont seriously think MM will leave, no way will he walk as too much of a cushy number and on mega bucks to boot! ME will extend for 2 years, nailed on, MM is ideal for him, just plods along picking up a decet wage whilst keeping us out of relegation and with minimal fuss created! This club is bad to the core and needs a massive overhaul!
We are all in suspenders re MM future. Everyone on here wants to see the back of, even Westy on a good day! In truth we wont know til end April early May.
Always thought Bartz was rather good, felt sad when we let him go to notts. He needed to be no 1 somewhere though.
Spanish, I think McCarthy has lost his passion for the club and Evans realises he has to get rid of him for financial reasons. McCarthy's comments in press conferences are predictably sour, he takes a pop at supporters even after a victory. He has dropped hints that he doesn't want to be at the club beyond the summer. Evans hasn't come out and supported him, no talk of a new contract, and no first team signings this season that will be staying at the club beyond the summer, despite the departures. I understand you haven't watched us lately, but after every loss there are widespread boos. The boos after the 0-0 draw against QPR on Boxing Day were among the loudest I've heard, even compared to the Keane / Jewell years. McCarthy hates it, not that I blame him really. I don't think I've ever booed Ipswich off the pitch, certainly not under McCarthy. As I understand it, both McCarthy and Evans have to agree to the contract extension this summer. I'm not sure if he will be on the same money, but, despite how poor the standard of football has been lately, McCarthy will probably be an attractive option for several clubs in this division if he becomes freely available.
While delighted Bart is staying - GET IN - I have to question himself / agent. SURELY he can get himself out of the rotten mess we are / earn more / play elsewhere!? Just don't get it. Re Mick - I think he WILL be off this summer. Whether people like it or not, I actually think given budget we're overachieving this season ( sad state of affairs ) but think if we end up 17th or below, then Mick's run out of time. I don't like the style of play / state of things but if he gets this crock of crap to top half, I would say he'd deserve another deal. That said, I do think Mick's had quite enough here - and many have had quite enough of him / interviews ..... Talk of the VVV manager has again surfaced - may be a sensible hire if Mick ( surely ) leaves this summer.
I’ve been thinking the same, MM is the perfect manager for ME, I’m not sure the fans reactions REALLY bother him tbh. He knows he can do little wrong in ME’s eyes keeping the club in a stable position whilst spending peanuts. Maybe it’d have to come down to protests or a further significant drop in season ticket sales to see him go. But saying that, if there’s no plan to invest in the club a new manager coming in is a big gamble. So the outcome? Probably another groundhog season under Mick.
To be fair it’s hardly a rotten mess in any meaningful way....he is getting paid thousands and is almost guaranteed his place in the team....we are never gonna bring in a big money signing to take his place....so if his family is settled and he is happy with his wages I think if kind of makes sense. A keeper can move to a big club sit on the bench then find themselves an understudy for the rest of their career...albeit on good money it still must be annoying.
