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

Keaneish added 13:25 - Sep 24 ITFCBam - again, where does it say on this thread we have a rubbish defence? You can't make up a line to tailor an argument. Where's the logic? The attributes you hail for Skuse and Chambers are mandatory 101s for players in those position. I find supporters who celebrate Cole Skuse always say, " he does work that goes unoticed", as if they're the only fan who understands the role and the off the ball work. The fact is Cole Skuse is now a worse footballer than he was when he arrived at PR due to the tactics MM employs. Tell me the last time Skuse ever one a tackle and then played a give and go to start an attack. It doesn't happen anymore. His role is so one-dimensional now its baffling that fans give him so much praise. He should be doing a lot more in that position. Look at the greats, Keane, Makelele, De Rossi etc.. The reason fans select these players for criticism is because playing the way they're playing, we're not going to get promoted. Skuse does OK and helps stifle attacks but to the detriment of attacking threat. That role commands both. Break up attacks. Start attacks. It's the heartbeat of the team and his level of performances have been anything but pulse racing.

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braveblue added 13:27 - Sep 24 Typical McCarthy tripe. The man is useless at right back, opposition target him and Ward has to cover for him. It's been like this for ages and Dino is too stubborn to admit his mistake. Good young right back at the club who must read this and realise that he will never get a chance here. Sums up the lack of imagination from this tired manager.
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Gcon added 13:30 - Sep 24 Vanmunt. You, among others, appear to be alluding to the fact that McCarthy does not put out what he considers to be the best side for each particular match, he puts out teams to spite the fans. You may need help.
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bbg added 13:42 - Sep 24 I am certain MM sees everything we see in LC, and he sees it every day. We haven't the resources to outplay every team and he wants four defenders who will primarily physically compete, defend and chip in with a few goals from set pieces. LC also offers a real attacking option at the back post from open play. The defensive record has been good for the past few years, though I think Smith has had more bad games than good during the past 12 months. MM has brought good attacking players into the club this season. Unfortunately the fact that our younger players are not in demand for loans by lower division clubs, indicates that they are not good enough for championship level. To replace the likes of LC with players who are better footballers and meet the other criteria, will either take a lot of money or a lot of luck. We should trust MM. He will gradually build a better football team, as he has done elsewhere.He and his players should be supported and not be made scapegoats.

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SheptonMalletBlue added 13:54 - Sep 24 McCarthy's attitude towards us fans is unbelievable!! He will not admit to making mistakes, but carries on in his own stubborn way. Two words: Arrogant, Dinosaur!!
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GoldieBlue added 14:10 - Sep 24 Have to feel sorry for Emmanuel with those comments. Hate that MM disregards fans opinions, the fact that we have not had a proper right back for so long and under several different managers is staggering. Maybe if I had coaching badges I would suddenly realise what a top right back chambers is. Hate to be too critical or Chambers, but he has become a liability of late.

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patrickswell added 14:19 - Sep 24 Good to see McCarthy backing Chambers in public. Just hope he's saying the right things to Josh Emmanuel in private.
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SchancheITFC added 14:27 - Sep 24 When Town don't have the ball or when we are playing strong opposition Chambers is a good option at RB. Weaken opposition where we need to attack and search for goals I see Josh Emmanual as a better option. Best RB at club is Cole Skuse
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Dissboyitfc added 17:27 - Sep 24 Cole skuse at RB is a good shout! i go off MM more and more every time he shows such contempt and disrespect to the fans, the people who pay his wages! MM needs to go!
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