Boss Paul Lambert says skipper Luke Chambers’s new two-year contract with the club, which he signed a fortnight ago, was an easy deal to complete for both parties.

Chambers, 33, was due to be out of contract in the summer, although the club had an option for a further season.

“I don’t think it was very hard, I don’t think it was really difficult,” Lambert said of the deal.

“I think Luke always wanted to finish here which is great and I just think [because of his] experience I think it was easy for that happen because the club needs a bit of experience. He’s a good guy so I think it’s great for everybody concerned that it’s put to bed now.”

Could the former Northampton and Nottingham Forest man go on to make another 100 appearances for the Blues, adding to his current total of 314 starts and one game from the bench.

“Listen, your brain will say one thing and your legs might tell you another but that comes with age and you can’t stop that,” Lambert added.

“Time remains undefeated, time always catches you as a player. In an ideal world he’ll have that in his head, ‘I want to play every game,’ and if he keeps fit and he keeps healthy then there’s a hell of a chance he’ll play a lot of games.

“Can you play a full season of 60-odd games? It’s difficult for anybody and it’s been proven because he missed some games here with his foot injury, so could anybody play 60 games in a season in any part of the world?

“It’s a difficult thing to do, but if he stays healthy and stays in the shape he’s in at the minute, barring suspensions, then there’s a good chance he’ll play a hell of a lot of games.”

Lambert says Chambers is a vital link between the management and the squad, although he says his relationship with his players is very good.

“There’s always that between a manager and a captain,” he reflected. “I think there’s good experienced ones that I can bounce things off of as well.

“I think I’ve got a good relationship with all of the guys, I get on well with them all, I laugh with them all but there’s always got to be that fine line and I think the lads are great ones to work with.

‘And if there’s anything major I need to think, ‘Okay I’ll put it to them’, then Luke’s one and Cole’s one as well Bart’s one, Deano’s one and they can go and speak to the players so it’s no problem that.”

How highly does he rate Chambers as a skipper? “He’s definitely up there the way he is as a person without a doubt that’s plain for everybody to see.

“There have been some really top captains that I’ve played with, ones that I’ve managed who have been great and I’ve been one myself so I know how it kind of works with the whole scenario, so he’s certainly up there with one of the best.

“Just because he’s been here that length of time doesn’t grant you immortality but it gives you a foothold in the club and whatever is happening.

“One day he’ll have to retire, that’s for sure, 100 per cent that is coming and when that day comes he’ll be thinking what he’s going to do next and that’s why I’ve said to you before it’s important the club has people like that in ambassadorial roles and I think that’s always my stance on that.”

Photo: TWTD

Ipswichbusiness added 16:31 - Mar 28 He should be alright in League One.
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Suffolkboy added 16:52 - Mar 28 Please let's all be supportive and positive ,particularly at this stage of our season . Well done PL & LC ; here's to progressive success at whatever level ! COYB
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prebbs007 added 19:31 - Mar 28 You miss one issue PL. he's a useless footballer. He has cost us numerous points this season and should never be in the team. The 2 year contract is reward for service not for ability on the pitch. A joke of a decision.
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Terry_Nutkins added 20:12 - Mar 28 Joke of comment Prebbs. Not a clue have you.
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ITFCsince73 added 20:50 - Mar 28 Luke Chambers....towns worst ever captain. Look at the table, it's in black and white, the marvellous job he's done and doing. Season 18/19 the clubs poorest season ever. Embarrassing, a total shambles. We reward captain calamity with a fresh new contract. A poor decision. Simple.
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prebbs007 added 06:00 - Mar 29 Great comeback Terry Nutkins. That the best you've got ??? Stick to playing with animals. About your intellectual level. The facts are the facts and our performances, points record, defensive frailties and calamitous style are largely down to him. He's very good at shouting though probably much the same as you.
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