x

Chambo: We Can't Wait to Get Back in Action - Ipswich Town News

Town skipper Luke Chambers says the squad can’t wait to get back to action having ended their disappointing run of form by recording back-to-back victories prior to the international week.

The Blues face manager Mick McCarthy’s former club Wolves at Portman Road on Saturday.

"We’ve had a good break but all the lads are raring to go again and we’ve trained well,” Chambers writes in his column in Saturday’s match programme.

"We seemed to have got back to our best in terms of being more solid and hopefully we can continue that against Wolves.

"The two wins against Bolton and Rotherham were huge and the [5-2] win over Rotherham especially was us playing as we know we can, and in truth it could have been a lot more than five.

"We’ve got a number of players edging closer to fitness and they will be like new signings for us. The two Lukes - Hyam and Varney - are progressing very well, Bish is still to feature this season and we’ve still got Ryan Fraser to come back.

"I’ve spoken to Ryan a few times and he’s itching to get back and play. He’s obviously been back in Bournemouth but he’s just got his head down, got on with his work and he will be a big addition for us when he returns.

"He's another character around the place and it will be great to have him back soon."

Fraser damaged knee ligaments while away with the Scotland U21s at the start of October and was ruled out for around two months.

Hyam underwent knee surgery in the summer and Varney ruptured an achilles during the play-offs with boss McCarthy expecting that the duo will be involved in U21s action this month.

Once he is confirmed fit, Varney, who is currently a free agent, is set to put pen to paper on a permanent deal with the Blues having been on loan last season.

Bishop missed the start of the season with shin splints and hamstring problems and Town have been deliberately taking his rehab slowly but, speaking before the international break, McCarthy said he expected the 19-year-old to be close to being ready for a return to action this month.

For Wolves, keeper Emiliano Martinez is a doubt with a thigh injury, while defenders Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Kortney Hause have been ruled out of Saturday’s game due to metatarsal and hamstring injuries respectively. Forward Bjorn Sigurdarson is not yet ready to return after a back injury.

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has extended his loan at Molineux until January.

Meanwhile, former Town boss Roy Keane says he could fancy a return to club management following Euro 2016.

Keane, currently assistant to Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, said: "I think that Martin knows I have that ambition to get back in the ring. I certainly want to stay on for the Euros, then we'll play it by ear.”

The 44-year-old’s last job as boss was his 20 months at Town which came to an end in January 2011.

What to read next:

Birmingham End Akpom Interest
Birmingham City have finally pulled out of their attempt to sign Blues target Chuba Akpom from Ajax.
Ajax 'Putting Pressure on Akpom to Join Birmingham'
Ajax are reportedly putting pressure on Blues target Chuba Akpom to join Birmingham City on a permanent deal rather than Town on a season-long loan.
Safe Standing Removed From Block E
Town have removed the rail seating from Block E of the Cobbold Stand.
McKenna: New Skipper O'Shea Has Shown Leadership and Strength of Character
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Dara O’Shea’s “leadership and strength of character” is what led him to appoint the Irish international the club’s new captain.
Town Announce Squad Numbers
Town have confirmed their squad numbers for the season ahead with new signings Cedric Kipre and Azor Matusiwa handed number four and five respectively and Ashley Young 15.
U21s to Host Derby in Opening Premier League 2 Fixture
Town’s U21s will host Derby County in their first Premier League 2 match on Friday 15th August (KO 7pm).
Birmingham Move For German Striker
Birmingham City appear to have given up hope of signing Blues target Chuba Akpom from Ajax, having turned their attention to Werder Bremen Marvin Ducksch, according to reports in Germany.
Akpom Remains Intent on Joining Town
Ajax forward Chuba Akpom remains intent on joining Town on a season-long loan, despite Birmingham City’s late attempt to sign him on a permanent basis, TWTD understands.
The TWTD Prediction League 2025/26
With the start of the new season only a few days away, it’s time to register for the TWTD Prediction League 2025/26.
Vote TWTD! - Football Content Awards Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the Football Content Awards 2025, giving you the chance to pay tribute to TWTD and other Town media you enjoy.