Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has admitted that he is 'disappointed' by Daryl Murphy's imminent departure for Championship rivals Newcastle United.
The 33-year-old striker is thought to have completed a medical on Tyneside after the two sides agreed a fee for his services.
During five seasons at Portman Road, Murphy has scored 67 times in 213 league appearances and was instrumental in the club's charge into the playoffs in the 2014-15 campaign.
"It's disappointing to lose Daryl but I can understand his reasons for wanting to go to Newcastle and we wish him well," McCarthy told reporters after today's 1-0 win over Preston North End. "Murph has been great for me over the past few years but it's a good deal all round. I didn't want to keep an unhappy player.
"If it's me that's stopping him and I stop a 33-year-old from going to play for Newcastle, who are arguably going to be top of the league, I think he would resent that for the rest of my life. If I was him I would do the same so I have a very pragmatic view on that and I would prefer to let him go, he's asked for a move, go and do well for Newcastle and Ireland, and we'll re-invest the money and get someone else.
"By the way, there was a bit of apathy towards him and when I re-signed him. I can't remember anyone dancing in the street with their knickers in the air and yet... he is a real force to be reckoned with now. We will do that again with a younger version."
McCarthy has previously revealed that he is "confident" of signing more players before the transfer window shuts on Wednesday.
Neil Wilkes
