Boss: I'll Reduce Dependence on Loans

By Neil Draper
December 31 2012

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy says that in future he will ensure that the club does not overly depend on short-term players to fill gaps in the squad.

Town's ranks have included a number of loanees and temporary players that has at times almost approached double figures and whilst recent form for the club has been promising, the Town supremo admits that it is a far from ideal situation and a similar situation will not be allowed to happen again.

When asked about the make-up of his squad at this afternoon's press conference at Portman Road, McCarthy said: “This won’t happen again next season. Not a chance, the club can’t let it happen again – it’s not right.

"I keep coming in here and being asked questions about who is staying and who is going and I haven’t got a clue half the time. I want to be the master of my own destiny. We might have five loan players again next season, but I’ll make sure we’ve got 18 others to supplement them.

Mick McCarthy and his coaching staff at Portman Road.

“I’d like to keep Nigel (Reo-Coker) and extend Stephen Henderson’s loan. I know that we might not keep all of them though and we can’t afford to have a last minute panic looking for replacements. I am actively looking at other players too.”

McCarthy has already admitted that Danny Higginbotham is on his way out of Portman Road, as whilst Town agreed an extended loan spell with Stoke, the player has been offered a full-time move elsewhere which will allow the 35 year old to return to the north of the country.

In addition, striker DJ Campbell, who has scored 10 goals in 16 Championship games for the club, is set to return to QPR following Tuesday's game with Brighton. This may not however be the last that Town fans see of the striker, with boss Mick McCarthy hoping to sign the player on a full deal.