Ex Millwall, Wolves and Sunderland manager tipped for I'm a Celeb stint

Former Millwall, Wolves and Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy is tipped to be swapping the dugout for the jungle as one of the castmates of this season's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! as early rumours of the celebrities signed up to the show emerge.

There are several high profile names on a shortlist reported by outlets including The Mirror. Former This Morning host Phillip Schofield is one of the names mentioned, alongside pop star Tulisa and Richard Gadd, the star of Netflix hit show Baby Reindeer.

The average I'm a Celeb viewer may perhaps not feel overwhelmed to see McCarthy's name also on the list but, for football supporters, seeing the 65-year-old head to Australia would no doubt provide some blockbuster viewing. The former Lions boss' most recent coaching role came in a short-term stint at Championship club Blackpool in 2023.

McCarthy arrived at Bloomfield Road in January 2023 on a deal to keep him with the club until the end of the season. However, the coach left his role by mutual agreement by the April with results not improving under his stewardship - the Tangerines were relegated that summer.

At the time, McCarthy said: "After recent performances and results, I have thought long and hard and feel this is the best decision for everyone concerned with the football club. I've loved my time here and thank everyone for their support. I wish everyone well going forward."

The former defender has spent the last 31 years working in football management, since his first job at Millwall in 1992. McCarthy spent four years in charge of the London outfit, having finished his playing career at The Den in 1992.

McCarthy eventually left the role to take charge of the Republic of Ireland in 1996. Since then, he has also held posts at Sunderland, Wolves, Ipswich Town and Cardiff City - he won the Championship in 2005 with the Black Cats and in 2009 with Wolves.