Mick McCarthy: 'It's nice to be linked to West Bromwich Albion'

By Matthew Jones, Reporter | 05 April 2018

Ipswich head coach Mick McCarthy admits that stories linking him to the vacant managerial position at West Bromwich Albion are flattering to hear.

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has admitted that reported interest from West Bromwich Albion is flattering to hear.

The Blues head coach revealed last week that he would not be continuing as manager of the Championship side after this season.

Despite his long-term future at Ipswich being ruled out, the 59 year-old has insisted that he will see out the remainder of the campaign at the Suffolk club.

"Yes I am," he told reporters, when asked if he will stay at the club until the end of the season.

"People put two and two together and come up with five sometimes I think. I've never experienced this in 26 years as a manager. I've found it really, really strange. The first couple of days were a bit difficult, unusual and I can't really describe it in many ways. I'm over that now, that's gone and I've got my head round it. I spoke to him [owner Marcus Evans] before the Birmingham game. He knows I'll cope with it and it's not like I'm seeking therapy. I could have come in and said it was all fine but you would have all known I was lying anyway because I'm pretty much an open book. When it comes to my feelings I make it known what they are."

"I haven't [heard from West Brom] but it's nice to be linked. It's maybe just convenient that, after it's been announced I'm coming out of work, West Brom are getting relegated and are looking for an experienced Championship manager. I cover those bases but it doesn't mean they've asked me."

West Brom sacked Alan Pardew on Monday, with the club 10 points adrift from Premier League safety.