Blues boss Paul Lambert has reiterated that he wants Luke Chambers to stay at Portman Road and continue as his captain next season, despite reported interest in the 33-year-old from MLS side the Chicago Fire.

Central defender Chambers is out of contract at the end of the season but with the Blues having an option to keep him for a further season.

“Luke’s [contract has] got the option hasn’t it, so I think Luke and Marcus were talking, that’s ongoing,” Lambert said.

“Obviously there’s the option anyway but regarding the story, I didn’t know that until yesterday, that story.

“Is it true? I don’t know? Is it false? I don’t know. You can never stop speculation. That goes with everything.

“You guys [the media] do that for a living. It’s something I don’t really go right into until somebody picks up the phone or it comes from the top, ‘Listen, this is happening, that’s happening’.

“I don’t really pay too much attention to it, but I know Luke and Marcus had a good conversation the other week, so I’ve just left it with those two.”

He added: “Marcus knew because I spoke to Luke a few weeks ago about it and he knows my thoughts on the whole situation.

“He’s been great, he really has been great, as a person as a footballer. I think he just wants his future sorted out, like everybody else.

“If there’s interest from the Chicago Fire or whoever, whether that’s true or not I don’t know but I know Marcus and Luke have spoken.”

Does Lambert want Chambers at Portman Road next season as his skipper? “That’s it, absolutely, I’ve said that all along, it’s whether something can be done. That’s out of my hands that, but he’s been great for me, he’s been a great captain.”

Photo: TWTD

heathen66 added 08:11 - Mar 8 I expect ITFCsince73 is not far off the mark, certainly over £60k/ month (around £15k/week). McGoldrick was 'one' of our higher earners of 'over' £15k / week as reported. Will need to reduce this by 2/3 to fit into any L1 structure
1

ChrisFelix added 08:19 - Mar 8 The thought of Chambers hoofing in Div 1 worries me. I agree that the young players need guidance from older professional who can read the game. Afraid our proper bloke captain certainly doesn't read the game & is often caught out of position. I see more of role for the snail Skuse in our team.This despite his allergy of entering the opponents penalty box
1

ThaiBlue added 09:47 - Mar 8 60 to 75k a month no please no get rid now!
1

oldelsworthyfan added 10:52 - Mar 8 Lambert is not stupid. He probably wants to move him on and no point in telling the world the player is slow, cannot read the game, lacks positional sense or anticipation and is way past his best.
1

Walk_the_Wark added 22:54 - Mar 8 BIG MISTAKE
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls