While Cardiff City’s goalless draw against Huddersfield Town was a forgettable match. It was a special occasion for Mick McCarthy, who reached a monumental milestone of 1000 games as a manager.
Mick McCarthy’s Managerial Career
McCarthy’s managerial career begun at Millwall, where he was a player-manager. After a strong period that saw McCarthy take Millwall to a playoff semi-final, the Republic of Ireland came knocking.
The most infamous managerial moment of McCarthy’s career occurred at the 2002 World Cup. Captain, Roy Keane was sent home before the tournament begun, after a conflict over the standard of the facilities the team were using.
Later in his career, after spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland, McCarthy was hired by Ipswich Town. McCarthy had a rocky relationship with Ipswich, the fans were often critical of their manager’s style of football.
Although, McCarthy did well, carrying Ipswich to a playoff position in the 2014/15 season, followed by a seventh-place finish the season after.
However, promotion to the Premier League was never realistic. Especially, considering the lack of money available, compared to top Championship clubs pushing for promotion.
Ironically, McCarthy’s old foe, Roy Keane received a large amount of money in his brief spell as Ipswich manager. McCarthy arrived two years after Keane’s failure at Ipswich, to steady the ship, with a far lower budget.
While McCarthy’s six-year stay at Ipswich didn’t bring any silverware. Keeping the Tractor Boys in the Championship alone was an achievement. The Blues are playing in League One, just two years after McCarthy left the club.
How Far Can Mick McCarthy Take Cardiff City?
Cardiff City are 11 games unbeaten after a scoreless draw with Huddersfield Town. Mick McCarthy has pushed Cardiff to seventh place, just outside the play-off positions.
Although McCarthy couldn’t achieve promotion with Ipswich Town, the ceiling with Cardiff is a lot higher. Owner, Vincent Tan is likely keen to return to the Premier League. He has shown his faith in McCarthy, recently giving the Cardiff manager a new deal, which lasts until 2023.
McCarthy has won promotion to the Premier League twice, with Sunderland and Wolves. As an old-fashioned manager, who is unlikely to get picked up by Premier League clubs, there will be extra incentive to win promotion with Cardiff.
Cardiff will likely be McCarthy’s last chance to manage in the Premier League. McCarthy has a balanced squad at his disposal, with a good mixture of young and experienced players.
Captain, Sean Morrison has experience in both the Championship and the Premier League. Morrison’s towering presence has contributed five goals from the back this season. With 16 goals, Kieffer Moore has been prolific in front of the goal. Liverpool loanee, Harry Wilson has also impressed this season, with four goals and ten assists. At 23, It is unlikely Wilson will break into Liverpool’s first team. Therefore, the Bluebirds might make a permanent offer, should Wilson continue to perform.
It’s unlikely Cardiff will get promoted this season, as the Championship playoff places are more competitive than ever. However, when Mick McCarthy gets a full campaign with Cardiff next season, the Bluebirds will have a huge chance to regain their Premier League status.
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