Mick McCarthy quit his job as Ipswich Town manager four games ahead of schedule after they secured a 1-0 home win over his former club Barnsley.
The 59-year-old had been due to leave the Championship outfit at the end of the season but instead quit after Jonas Knudsen's 54th-minute goal left the team 12th in the table and above rivals Norwich on goal difference.
Ipswich manager at the start of next season (Sky Bet odds)
- 2/1 Danny Cowley
- 4/1 Alan Pardew
- 7/1 Paul Cook
- 7/1 Simon Grayson
- 8/1 Shefki Kuqi
The former Republic of Ireland manager had been linked with becoming Barnsley's manager earlier in the season after Paul Heckingbottom left Oakwell to manage Leeds.
McCarthy had been due to leave the club at the end of the season, but after making that decision public he says he has struggled to cope with the situation.
In a statement released on the club website, McCarthy says that not feeling comfortable operating with the knowledge he was leaving caused him to inform owner Marcus Evans that he wanted to leave early.
🎥 | Mick McCarthy spoke with iFollow Ipswich shortly after the full-time whistle at Portman Road this evening as he confirmed his departure from the Club. pic.twitter.com/TEFfbLGOkA
— Ipswich Town FC (@Official_ITFC) April 10, 2018
“I spoke with Marcus at the weekend and we agreed that it was in the best interests for me, the players and the Club that I move on now,” McCarthy told the club website.
“I said I would see the season out but it’s been a new experience and it’s not one I have been enjoying to be honest.
“I have continued to do my job to the best of my ability but there is something missing and I’m not comfortable with that.
“I have had a great time here and worked with some great people and to all those who have given me wonderful support over the last five and a half years - and there are many - I want to put on record my personal thanks.
“The players here can look forward to a new challenge with whoever comes in and I want to wish them, the staff and the Club the best of fortunes.
“I’ll also be looking forward to a new challenge elsewhere. I’ve still got a lot of football in me.”
