x

McCarthy Confirms Town to Exercise Options on Chambers and Berra Deals - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that the Blues will be taking up the options to keep skipper Luke Chambers and fellow centre-half Christophe Berra for a further season.

The duo's contracts were due to end this summer but with the club having an option to extend those terms for a further season which must be taken up by May 1st.

Chambers was the subject of interest from his former club Nottingham Forest in January, while Berra has been repeatedly linked with one of his previous clubs, Hearts, along with Rangers.

"Their options will be exercised and then we can deal with it afterwards,” McCarthy said.

"Whether there’s any negotiation over and beyond that one-year option, that’s for them and their agents to talk to Marcus about.”

Has he had a chance to talk to them to find out whether they would like to stay? "Chambo, of course [he would], but Christophe, it’s been well publicised that he has a commitment up in Edinburgh with his daughter and he’d like to be there. But we’ve an option on him.

"That’s not the easiest thing just to do because he’s been a really fantastic player for us, he’s been a stalwart.

"Whenever he’s been fit, he’s played, pretty much. So I’ll leave that with Marcus. Of course, I’ve spoken to them.”

McCarthy says he’s yet to hold his main discussion with owner Marcus Evans regarding the budget and plans for next season, although we understand the pair met over the weekend.

"We’ve only been talking around it at the moment and I’ll sit down with him after the Forest game and discuss it then,” he added.

What to read next:

McKenna: Burns Making Progress, Everyone Else Has Trained
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Wes Burns is making good progress as he continues his recovery from his ACL injury with the Wales international the only player absent from training this week ahead of Saturday’s game at Blackburn Rovers.
New Call Me Ted Poster For Norwich Derby
Town poster gurus Call Me Ted have produced a new design ahead of the East Anglian derby against Norwich City at Portman Road on Sunday 5th October.
U17s Beaten By Hammers
Town’s youngsters were beaten 4-0 by West Ham United in their opening U17 Premier League Cup game at Playford Road this afternoon.
[Podcast] The Naked Football Show - Listen Again
This week's Naked Football Show is now available online.
Akpom: Ajax and Lille Spells Made Me a Better Player
Town forward Chuba Akpom believes he has returned to England a better player following two years at Ajax and Lille.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Four in Championship Team of the Week
Four Town players have been named in the Championship Team of the Week following the 5-0 thumping of Sheffield United on Friday.
Ipswich Town Women 0-1 Nottingham Forest Women - Match Report
Ipswich Town Women remain without a win so far this season after losing 1-0 to fellow newly promoted side Nottingham Forest in their first outing at their new home, Colchester United’s JobServe Community Stadium.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Blades Sack Selles Following Town Thrashing
Sheffield United have sacked manager Ruben Selles following Friday’s 5-0 thrashing by the Blues at Portman Road.