McCarthy back in a heartbeat
MICK McCarthy says he will not be Sunderland’s next manager – but he would go back to the Stadium of Light “in a heartbeat” if he was a free agent.
There has been much media comment about what a basket case the Black Cats have become. Since the departure of Peter Reid, numerous high-quality managers have failed to bring sustained success, including some former and future international managers.
Simon Grayson did not have that pedigree but he did have a proven record at Championship level and he lasted only 125 days before being sacked after one win in 15 games.
The club is deep in debt, its owner has been unable to sell it, attendances are falling, the fans are disengaged and in many cases staying away.
But for all that, there has been positive talk about the club in the managerial community, including from McCarthy. He inherited a club at a low financially and in terms of morale as they headed for the Championship in 2003. McCarthy led them to the play-offs in his first full season, and automatic promotion in his second.
Now at Ipswich Town, he was asked if he would be interested in returning.
“I’m contracted here,” he replied.
“Maybe if I was out of contract... Oh yeah, if I was out of contract, and I was free and available, then yes I’d go back in a heartbeat because I loved my time there. But I’m not out of contract, I’m not free and available, so no I wouldn’t be going back.”
McCarthy’s Portman Road contract expires in the summer and he has offered no guarantees he would sign another if offered.