Town boss Mick McCarthy has hailed his skipper Luke Chambers as an “inspiration” and says he will continue to be his right-back, despite fans’ opinions being split on the 30-year-old in that role.

Chambers, who is primarily a centre-half, has been McCarthy’s regular right-back since the start of the manager’s first full season at Portman Road, the 2013/14 campaign.

However, some fans have never taken to the Kettering-born defender in the position in which he also played for spells at former clubs Northampton and Nottingham Forest.

Quizzed on the split opinions on his captain as a full-back, which again came to the fore this week after the Aston Villa match, McCarthy said: “I’ll try and put my best ‘bothered’ look on for that! Everything we do at the minute seems to split opinion.”

He added: “He’ll be playing on Saturday, so that probably tells you something about that one.

“Chambo had played at right-back before I [played him there]. I went to see him play for Northampton and he played at right-back and I thought he was going to play at centre-back.

“I have to be honest, I didn’t see him a lot more after that until I turned up here. Yes, he’s probably a centre-back but he’s done amazingly well. And I am delighted with him.

“On Saturday it was one of those days when he’s just had a bit of a tough day, but if anybody gives any more than he does in terms of the commitment to the cause here I’d like to see it.

“And he’s just gone and done it selflessly. Let me tell you there’s nobody better in the club and he’s one of the best captains I’ve had in terms of bringing everybody into it and welcoming people and just driving the players on and doing it by example. He’s fantastic.

“So I’m sorry to all those with the split opinion but he will be playing there on Saturday and on Tuesday and probably on Saturday and probably for the next 38 games or whatever we’ve got left. He’s one of the first names on the teamsheet, nailed on.”

McCarthy says he’s not looked for a more specialised right-back since Chambers has taken on the role, loanees Bradley Orr and Richard Stearman having played there in his first half-season at Town after he had moved former skipper Carlos Edwards, the regular right-back under Paul Jewell, into midfield.

“We’ve had a particularly settled back four or five for a long, long time and he’s been one of them and been particularly good, I think,” the Town boss continued.

“We’ve spent a bit of money this time, but I think it’s been spent wisely, certainly on Grant Ward and Webbo.

“And I don’t know where I’m going to get one as good as him who’s not going to cost me an arm and a leg and that’s got the same character, the same determination, all the characteristics I love in footballers. So no, I haven’t.”

McCarthy likes the sort of versatility that Chambers has shown in his time at Portman Road with players happy to play anywhere they’re asked.

“I think they are, they do,” he said. “I kind of hear squeaks of discontent about people, but they’re great.

“Are they great players? Well no, I’m not going to say that, they’re great personalities and really top players for this club and doing what they do in doing it so selflessly I think is terrific. Brett Pitman’s another one and Chambo certainly is.”

As a captain McCarthy says Chambers is one of the best he has known, having previously worn the armband at Forest.

“He has a real effect on other people around him,” the Blues boss added. “There are some captains who go in with a teamsheet and some who go for the toss of a coin, some that do whatever they think captains should do.

“But he is a leader, the lads call him Skip and they all look up to him. He’s been an inspiration to a lot of lads at this place.”

Photo: TWTD

trncbluearmy added 08:47 - Sep 24 Kikapu What on earth makes you think leeds fans know more about our setup then we do?
-1

phillo added 08:48 - Sep 24 Completely agree with all Mick says about Chambo ....... except the bit about him being a right back !!!!!! Of course he's committed, of course he's a great skipper, of course he is passionate, of course he's a true leader who the other lads look up to ......... doesn't make him a right back !!!! He even admits he is a centre back !!!! "Couldn't buy better", "best we've got at the club" ...... you sir are deluded !!!! If I was Emanuel I'd read this, silently weep & start packing for the inevitable "loan period" followed by transfer .... and another talented youngster with great potential will drift away due to Micks obstinance. We all got angry when "the Irishman who shan't be named" destroyed our club by dismantling our Academy, selling all our youngsters & packing the team with big name has beens. Is Micks reticence to use/trust the youngsters any different ? Does he feel if it works it somehow means he was wrong ? Can he not admit that for the sake of the club ? Or maybe we are all wrong & Chambo is the best we've got .... Sadly we'll never know with Mick as no one else will get a chance.

10

Brownie added 09:00 - Sep 24 The only constants in the world are death, taxes & Penguin Blue! Oh and Chambers & Sears being played out of position. COYB!
2

oldegold added 09:24 - Sep 24 It would take an act of immense courage for our bone-headed manger to admit he is ruining Chambers in the wrong position but it's not going to happen as this would be an admission . MM is a bottler as we have seen in his approach to cup matches and taking the game to the opposition so it's a no-no. God forbid we have two young full backs in Kenlock and Emmanuel who look promising but who will be moved on as MM doesn't believe in the youth policy if the voices coming out of the club are to be believed. Upwards and onwards with our captain continually being caught out, being played out of position..and costing us points but hey-ho, do you think McCarthy cares ? Tedious stuff....

7

jonbull88 added 09:27 - Sep 24 Penguinblue, most of the goals conceded? The second Barnsley goal came from a free kick from the left. The Norwich goal came from down the LEFT. Knudsen conceded the second Reading penalty, and their first one was a handball by Ward. How are these Chambers fault? But don't worry you just continue to make up stuff to suit your view.
-1

strikalite added 09:33 - Sep 24 Great captain, great leader of men, I get that, but to allow him the freedom of just a 'tough time' when young Josh isn't given another chance for exactly that in just one game says so much... If I was Josh I'd be gone in a flash....fook waiting around wasting my time.
2

Keaneish added 09:41 - Sep 24 Maybe good management for Chambers but I wonder how Emmanuel feels knowing he hasn't got a look in bar a Chambers injury. Chambers is playing at his best at the moment. He's not going to get any better and we can all see it could be massively improved. Oh well, 'bothered'.
5

corfu72 added 09:41 - Sep 24 Let's put things into perspective here.Chambers is not a full back and never will be.He is playing there because he is asked to play in that position.He is a great leader and should not be challenged on that issue.Yes,he has struggled many a time and against Villa last week I thought it was his worst game for a long time,but he is committed and this should not be questioned,so until MM changes this position we should get behind the player even if many are unhappy with this.My honest opinion is Chambers is playing because he is a good leader and also MM does not want to change the central pairing.

2

vanmunt added 10:23 - Sep 24 Mick should just walk out the tunnel before a match with both middle fingers up and turn to all corners of the stands as that is what he thinks of every single one of us.
13

Keaneish added 10:40 - Sep 24 Agreed Vanmut. MM does nothing to warn the Town fans to him. All great managers have the backing of the fans and our most successful periods have come when the fans have truly endorsed and been behind a manager who's feelings for the club have mirrored our own. This is not that time and I'm one of the many who can't wait til those days return because what we have right how, is luke warm at best.

1

TomJamesLW added 10:59 - Sep 24 I think Chambers is better than people give him credit for. He gets forward enough and uses his physical presence at the back post, rather than technical ability expected of most right backs. He occasionally delivers a good cross too. That glorious Jay Tabb header against Middlesbrough came from a Chambers cross. However, players like Josh Emmanuel deserve a proper chance to show they deserve a place in the team. And if they're reading articles like this they'll probably be looking for a move to another club. Last season against MK Dons with Kenlock And Emmanuel playing we looked more dangerous than we ever have under Mick. But it turns out that game was more of a showcase than an experiment.

5

Lightningboy added 11:05 - Sep 24 Have never doubted Luke's passion or commitment BUT how do 99% of fans realise he's not comfortable at right back which ultimately holds us back YET our manager cannot see this? Your stubborness Mick holds you and our club back at times..not clever.
8

battyblue added 11:06 - Sep 24 Just shows what a total p-ick MM is how can a manager who is supposedly trying to get us in the premier say he will pick a player week in week out for the next 38 games regardless of how he plays,,,1 is not doing his job to the best of his ability(which is small)2 is cheating the fans by not doing all in his power to achieve promotion,3 is not doing the job he is being paid for?? or is he.Anyway should be sacked in my view just for that comment.

4

jonbull88 added 11:25 - Sep 24 All the fans saying Josh Emmanuel should be ahead of Chambers, where is your evidence to back this up? Basing you opinion on 1 or 2 games isn't enough, mm sees them all in training everyday, I trust his view more than fans who winge just because their "favioute" player isn't playing. Chances are if Emmanuel played and was at fault 2 or 3 games in a row he would be ridiculed by the same people wanting him in the team now.

0

oldegold added 12:03 - Sep 24 MM is the most technically limited manager we have had since 1964. He will do the exact opposite of what his position calls for and I agree with some of the comments here posted about the demoralising effect this must have on the younger players who will never break into the team as our esteemed manager will intentionally do the opposite of what is required. Leeds must be chomping at the bit today knowing our one trick pony will play one up front and rely on simply hoofing...teams know our game plan a season in advance as he is too stubborn and stupid to change. Do you honestly see Pitman alone up front relying on hopeful punts ? Leeds must be laughing.. A schoolchild could tell McCarthy how to play modern football with variety and entertain long suffering fans of this once proud club who are fed up watching this turgid version of football.

6

ParisBlue added 12:18 - Sep 24 I'm probably in the minority inlaying that for the last 3 seasons I've been OK with Luke at RB. It stiffened us up, grew into the role, and when we had Cresswell or Mings the need to bomb forward was less. My issue now is that he's bit older and will lose some pace. Jonas is less attacking than the previous incumbents. And if he's not at RB he probably doesn't play now - I'm not sure he'll oust Berra, Webster or Smith. When he has played CB he's not looked great. No doubt much of the improved squad culture under MM is down to him. The fist-pumping, TV swearing and passion has gone some way to help build relationships with the supporters after the dark days of Jewell. What is strange though is that - and I'm prepared to be corrected - towards the end of last season MM acknowledged that LC wasn't a RB and hinted he'd be playing CB his season.

-2

tractorboybig added 12:22 - Sep 24 Some comments here surprise me. Our defence is crap, without bart a dozen more goals would be against this season. Chambers may well be a great guy and leader but is no right back on a regular basis, he has been exposed in every game I have seen this season. The conclusion is that contrary to public statements there is no ambition for promotion at this club. .
7

Fatcatevans added 12:22 - Sep 24 So one rule for Chambers and another for the other ten? He is guaranteed a place for the next 38 games while the other guys have to prove their worth. Does anyone honestly think if Webster had performed like chambers last week that he would be playing today? It's just rampant favouratism
5

Keaneish added 12:24 - Sep 24 Jonbull88 - who on this thread says Emmanuel should start ahead of Chambers?
2

RoyalAscotBlue added 12:26 - Sep 24 I give up.
3

phillo added 12:31 - Sep 24 Jonbull - no one said anything of the sort ...... just that Emanuel deserves a chance when Chambo is sometimes clearly struggling.
7

bluesince76 added 12:48 - Sep 24 When the ambition of the owner is just to exist in this league,mick can do what he likes reguarding players and their position,he can play his favourites without consequence.ME and MM out.
2

Bluetone added 12:52 - Sep 24 Josh Emmanuel time to have a word with your agent as it looks very much that Chambers will still be RB when he's on a zimmer frame unless the club has the good sense to get rid of the dinosaur
1

Penguinblue added 12:53 - Sep 24 Brownie - that's quite good jonbull88 -you have been watching different games to me for the past two years. or so Others - I don't think Chambers is a great leader. Watch more carefully - no one takes any notice of him - especially his fellow defenders who have to carry him. Ironically Knudson, very questionable last year, is beginning to show more leadership qualities. Also watch Chambers when he gets a bit of criticism - very much like McCarthy - reacts very negatively. Any one can fist pump after a win Just to be consistent Brownie - McCarthy out.

6

itfcbam added 12:53 - Sep 24 So we have a rubbish defence?? 4 clean sheets in 6 games, 1 goal conceded from open play in that time. 4 of the games against teams who have either been in play offs or prem in last 2 seasons. What does a defence have to do to be good?? We defend as a unit not individuals meaning players cover for each other. While he may not be the best rb he does do lot of organising and covering across the back line which probably goes unnoticed by many (in the same way as what Skuse does is largely unnoticed). Still this has always been the way over recent years we have to have a couple of players whose backs we are constantly on rather than getting behind them.

-4

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls