How the Irish fared: Mick McCarthy left agitated by Ipswich slide after a 2-1 defeat

It was a contrasting weekend for the two Irish managers dreaming of pitting their wits against the Premier League elite next season. 

Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich dropped to eighth in the Championship after a 2-1 defeat to Bristol City while Chris Hughton’s Brighton continued their recent renaissance with a 3-2 win over Bolton.

McCarthy’s men have enjoyed a difficult start to 2016, losing to League Two outfit Portsmouth in the FA Cup and winning just two of their seven Championship games.