Skipper Luke Chambers has confirmed that he wants to stay with the Blues next season, Ipswich having become his home over the last five years.

The 31-year-old, who was targeted by his former club Nottingham Forest on the final day of the January transfer window, is set to be out of contract at the end of the season, but with manager Mick McCarthy revealing on Thursday that the Blues will be taking up their option to keep the defender for a further year.

Writing in yesterday’s match programme Chambers said: “I find myself out of contract at the end of the season but I’m hoping to stay.

“I’m 31 and I still feel I have a lot of years ahead of me and a lot to offer the side. I’ve kept myself ticking over and, touch wood, I’ve been injury free for the majority of my career. I still feel I’ve got a lot to offer.

“Ipswich has become my home for the past five years and I think everyone who knows me realises how much I care for this club.”

Having moved back to his preferred role at the heart of the defence in recent months Chambers admits he’d rather not return to playing the full-back position he has occupied for most of his time at Portman Road.

“I’ve played at centre-half since January and feel my form has consistently improved,” he added. “That’s my natural position and I think that has shown in my performances since then.

“In an ideal world I would rather not play as a right-back again, but it’s about doing what is right for the team.”

The Kettering-born defender is yet to miss a single minute of Town’s league season and will be looking to complete an ever-present 2016/17 when the Blues visit - and perhaps relegate - his old club Forest next Sunday.

“I’m hoping to end the season having played every minute of the Championship campaign,” he said. “That’s a stat I’m proud of. I think I’ve played the most minutes out of any player in the league.”

Photo: TWTD

BAKERSE added 21:15 - May 1 Chambo is one of the real problems at our club. Nobody can debatE his commitment nor professionalism, trouble is, he is a club captain - not a match day captain - never seen him b*ll*ck anybody...
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