The initial reaction from those associated with Rangers when it was suggested Martyn Waghorn would be sold in the summer was one of relief, such was the frustration surrounding the forward at Ibrox. Despite a healthy return of 20 goals from 25 games in the Scottish Championship, the former Leicester City man struggled to make an impact once Rangers had reclaimed their top-flight status and was subsequently allowed to return south of the border to Ipswich.
Town boss Mick McCarthy yearned for a forward who he could restructure his team around and in Waghorn he acquired a player who embodied everything the experienced coach believes in; Waghorn's commitment had never been an issue and his industrious approach to the game married with McCarthy's plans. The deal to sign the 27-year-old is now believed to be around the £250,000 mark and was, at the time, a move which suited all parties.
Twenty games into the Championship season, however, there is a bitterness growing from Rangers surrounding the finer details of the transfer after Waghorn struck his 10th league goal of the campaign during Ipswich's 4-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
“He epitomised the performance,” McCarthy said of his striker following the tie. “He’s played five games in 15 days and he was a real thorn in their side. He was fabulous. He’s clever and he’s aware. His pass to Santi [Celina] for the fourth goal is terrific. It’s on his right foot, but he didn’t lash at it and he’s put it right on a plate for him. I thought he was a good player, but he’s even better than I thought. Isn’t that nice to say, instead of saying ‘he’s a pile of so-and-so’ which I’ve done a few times in my career!”
McCarthy is not alone in his surprise - Waghorn was almost unanimously overlooked prior to the season as a result of his futile efforts elsewhere. But it is his determination, his persistence in the chase which endears the forward to his manager.
His intelligence in finding pockets of space to allow him his opportunities is also an unforeseen addition, as well as his vision in-and-around the opposing 18-yard box - as well as the 10 league goals, Waghorn has registered four assists. He has almost certainly slimmed down, too, and concerns regarding his fitness have dispersed.
McCarthy is a manager who is clear in his vision and Waghorn fits the 58-year-old's agenda. Comments claiming the manager's time at Portman Road may be up now seem distant, and Waghorn has absolutely played his part in cleansing the mood in Suffolk.
“Always remember, ‘Mick McCarthy, your football is s***e’, ‘Mick McCarthy, get out of our club’, ‘Mick McCarthy, you’re a boring b*****d’,” he said following Saturday's victory. “Always remember, because I do.”
Despite the aggressive tone of his comment, McCarthy now has the right to remind those who doubted his decisions last season as his side sit just three points outside the top six with arguably the bargain of the summer leading his line.
