Outgoing Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has insisted that he has left the club in a better shape than when he took charge in November 2012.

The former Republic of Ireland boss was due to step down at the end of the season, but has cut his tenure short after falling out of favour among sections of the club's support.

McCarthy, however, is adamant that his time in charge of Ipswich has been a positive experience, with the team making progress with him at the helm.

"I've done my stuff and I've left them in far better shape than I found them," the Ipswich Star quotes McCarthy as saying.

"I've not enjoyed the fact I'm not in control, really but the lads have been brilliant, they've been fantastic.

"[The fans have] been fabulous, I've had a wonderful time and I've had great support from the supporters and everybody about the place.

"I have nothing but fond memories of it. It's a shame it's been soured towards the end, but overall my memories are really happy ones."

McCarthy's final game in charge of Ipswich was a 1-0 home win over Barnsley.