Defender Luke Chambers believes he is enjoying the best form of his career right now, even if Town are finding clean sheets hard to come by this season.

Mick McCarthy’s men have kept just one in the current campaign — courtesy of their 3-0 home defeat of Millwall last month — from nine league and cup fixtures.

Chambers said: “I would say I am playing as well as I’ve ever played. After the gaffer came in last season I think I was playing well. We kept 10 clean sheets in 15 games at one stage and that is credit to all the lads involved in that run and it coincided with me playing some very good football.

“Things have changed for me now I’m playing right-back but I feel I’m doing alright there. Hopefully I can continue to do my job for the team and people can see my passion and what I can bring to the team.”

Chambers cannot pinpoint why Town have been unable to maintain their ratio of clean sheets into a new season, adding: “It’s difficult to put your finger on it. I’m not bemoaning our luck, I just think we are getting punished because teams are being more ruthless against us.

“We are still limiting chances to two or three a game for the opposition — even one at times — and they’re managing to get the odd break. They are managing to finish their chances, whereas maybe we’re not being quite so ruthless.”

Chambers was disappointed that despite a promising display at newly-relegated Wigan last Sunday the outcome, a 2-0 win for Owen Coyle’s team, was not what Town deserved.

He said: “It was very frustrating. All the stats seemed to back up the feeling that we should have won the game but, obviously, after a couple of mistakes in our half we’ve ended up coming away with nothing.

“But although it was a very, very frustrating afternoon I think there were a hell of a lot of positives again. After two wins in a row we were very positive going up there and I think that showed in our performance.

“Unfortunately a couple of mistakes have cost us and that’s the nature of the league at the moment. Teams are taking one or two chances against us and we’re not quite taking ours. We’re feeling the full force of it at the minute.”

Photo: Action Images

thebeat added 09:46 - Sep 27 Personally i dont think Luke looks very comfortable at right back.His partnership with Tommy was one of the main reasons we produced play off form under Mick last season. Its a no brainer to put them back together,Hewitt needs games to get used to playing in the same back four week in week out. We shouldnt be shunting our captain out to full back just to accomodate Berra.

0

Michael11 added 10:26 - Sep 27 I much prefer the Chambers/Smith partnership than Berra/Smith. Berra looks quite slow and hasn't got a right foot. I'd like to see us sign a decent right back on loan if Hewitt isn't fancied just yet. I just don't see the point in changing one of the only very good and consistent parts of our team for Berra.
0

Kentish_Tractor added 13:42 - Sep 27 I think we should try all 3 of our main CBs of together in a 5-3-2 formation and see how they play. Loach/Gerken Hewitt Chambers Berra Smith Cresswell Wordsworth Skuse Tabb Murphy McGoldrick Hewitt and Cresswell as wingbacks as we know they like getting forward and crossing. Skuse holding in front of the defence. Hyam as a sub for the other 2 CMs (as we need a bit of creativity there). Anderson and Edwards both subs, as IMHO neither are good enough to start. I think it could work.

0

Sindre94 added 14:21 - Sep 27 A very good leader and a great player for us aswell. Hope he stays here for a few years and plays 200-300 games for us, would be good. @Kentish_Tractor: I'm a fan of the idea, but Mick would never realize that, would he? Also. Coming back for the Derby game:) cya there
0

troyse added 14:37 - Sep 27 no don't agree hyam shouldn't be dropped his an itfc player on merit
0

harlingblue added 23:11 - Sep 27 Chambers and Smith should be restored as our main centre-backs, Berra as sweeper/playmaker in back three. or fullback? Berra looks a good player, but he now blocks the way of the partnership of Chambers and Smith. Perhaps HE should be the player to take the role of right back? If players that are trained as kids can't use both feet, then the Coaches need to look at themselves?

0

harlingblue added 23:20 - Sep 27 Chambers and Smith should be our defensive pairing, we need Berra to adopt right back as his new roll as he is good on the ball and has a good eye for a pass a would be a great covering defender.
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls