Skipper Luke Chambers believes Town are capable of holding on to an automatic promotion place, having climbed into second place in the Championship after a run of just one defeat in 15 games.

He said: “The point is that I don’t think there is anyone to fear. I thought it was going to be a very tough division this season and it’s proving that way, but we have put two runs together this season, with three or four wins in a row, and if you can do that in any season you are going to have a great chance.

“Previously in my career I have very rarely done that. We have shown we can put wins together but at the moment we are a team to be shot at by the rest but I think new can deal with that.”

Chambers, 29, was asked if he thought Town’s current lofty position would have been possible when they kicked off the season back in August with a 2-1 home win over newly-relegated Fulham and responded: “I didn’t ever think about it but I was thinking we were good enough to be in the play-offs.

“In fact I think we should have been in them last season and without Didzy’s injury we probably would have been. The gaffer brought in some good signings in the summer and it was something that was always in the back of my mind.

“If I’m honest I thought it would be a big ask but I think we’re doing things well, we’re taking our chances when they come and we’re proving difficult to beat, which is a sure sign of a successful team.”

Chambers, looking ahead to tomorrow’s home clash against Leeds, is also aware of how former club Nottingham Forest set a hectic pace, while Norwich were early-season leaders. Both teams have suffered following sudden lapses on form, in the Canaries’ case a mere one win from their last 10 league games.

He added: “You’ve got to remember that. Everyone is bouncing at the minute and expecting Leeds, who have been having a difficult time, to be brushed aside.

“But that probably won’t happen. We’ll be going out from minute one to win the game but it’s going to be very tough and we can’t be over-confident.

“I don’t think we will because we approach every game the same and our consistency from game one through to game 19 has been the same.

“As long as we keep our feet on the ground, which I can’t see being a problem when you look at the character of the boys in the dressing room, I don’t think there is any reason why we can’t stay up there.

“In fact, I think we can thrive on the pressure of being second in the league. I’ve mentioned it a few times in the huddle before games. Every game seems to be getting bigger and bigger, and I tell the lads these are the games you should want to be involved in.

“How often in your career can you say you are fighting for promotion? I’ve been fortunate enough to get promoted twice and I’ve been in play-offs five times.

”I’ve been lucky in that respect but there will be boys who might not experience a promotion charge or being up in the top two, which is why you have to try to make the most of it.”

Photo: Action Images

10dackj added 07:44 - Dec 5 Who else is joining us in the BPl next season? Us, Derby and Middlesbrough? #inmickwetrust
1

tractorboyupnorth added 07:51 - Dec 5 No reason indeed, wise words from Chambo and I have to agree I think we do have a team that can make best for the pressure that come from where we are in the table and at the same time, whether manager, coach, player or supporter we should enjoy it! COYB
1

rfretwell added 08:45 - Dec 5 Brentford? Another big strong powerful team on a great run but have just won Manager of the Month! Got my ticket for Griffin Park - cant wait!
0

Blogs 296 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls