Town have confirmed that skipper Luke Chambers and midfielder Cole Skuse are leaving the club this summer.

Chambers, 35, joined the Blues on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2012 during Paul Jewell’s time as boss.

The centre-half or right-back went on to make 395 starts and one sub appearance for the Blues, netting 19 times, all but a handful while wearing the captain’s armband.

Skuse, also 35, joined Town from Bristol City the following summer, also on a free transfer, and made 268 starts and 10 appearances from the bench. The pair were key members of the side which reached the Championship play-offs in 2014/15.

“Chambo and Cole have been exemplary pros for this football club,” boss Paul Cook told the club site.

“Not only are they very good footballers, they are stand-out men in the way they conduct themselves

“They have been a pleasure to work with in my short time here and you won’t find better role models for young players coming through.

“We thank them for their fantastic service to Ipswich Town Football Club and wish them every success in whatever they do going forward.”

The pair have both been linked with a summer move to Colchester United, along with Freddie Sears, although they may well have plenty of options in Leagues One and Two.

Photo: Matchday Images

Wishing4arightback added 18:19 - May 10 I'm sorry, and I expect abuse and loads of marking down, but although it is sad to see players who have given years to the club and deserve due respect for this, im not sure the tag of Legend is deserved. Yes top 10 in appearances, but in a poor team in poor leagues and winning nothing during this period. Players like Mills, Walk, Beatty played games in top leagues, won accolades from peers and International recognition. They are legends, and the reference should be kept for such people. Great servant, committed yes, but Legend..... reality please!

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geminimustang added 19:02 - May 10 For clarity,in letting all these players leave,will the new owners be providing funds to purchase players or is it still freebies,loans,journeymen and youngsters to push for promotion? I hope I'm wrong but this comes across as too much change.
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BangaloreBlues added 19:24 - May 10 Despite what many fans have said about Chambers, I think he has rightly joined an elite by being here for so long. Both him and Skuse provide that experience and leadership to the younger players, who must have learned a lot from them. Now, Cook needs to fill at least one of those positions with an equally experienced player. We need those natural leaders in the team. We can't be going out there with eleven 20-year-olds. It will be interesting to know who'll replace them. Best of luck to both and thank you for your service to the club. Hope you can both get another season or two out of those old legs before you hang your boots up.

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Henz10 added 20:06 - May 10 I would like to thank both of them for their effort and endeavor. Chambers was one of the best CB's when we signed him and he's never complained despite being played out of position for three seasons Skuse started off well but tailed off and should've gone two seasons ago. This move signifies a new era for the club with better quality players. As we've all witnessed the standard is pretty shocking in League 1 so with the right additions we should be in with a shout of promotion

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LegendofthePhoenix added 20:27 - May 10 Chambo, Skusey and Freddie - many many thanks for the loyalty and huge efforts that you have given over the years. What a shame we can't give you the send off you deserve. That doesn't diminish the gratitude. Terrific pros and a model to all the youngsters. Best wishes for the future and maybe you could all make it onto the pitch pre-match next season for a send off?

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warwickblueboy added 20:43 - May 10 Passion, enthusiasm and heart only get you so far I'm afraid! Chambers may have had this in spades but frankly I'd expect that of any player and certainly captain of my team. In terms of ability possibly one of the most limited players we've had that has played week in week out in spite of performance. No doubt not a universally popular opinion but his longevity has been part of the problem of our stagnating when passion had appeared to trump ability.

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blueboy1981 added 21:25 - May 10 Absolute credit to their profession and our Club, both Chambo and Skuse - and respectful supporter will recognise this, and thank them for their efforts for the Club. In Chambo we have had a Defender and Captain who has never over the past few seasons had the appreciation deserved for the constant pressure his defence has been under - thro' a totally inadequate midfield and forward line. No defence can do more than keep a clean sheet at any level of the game - and there have been many, as we know and record proves. Neither have been compulsive sick notes either, there are enough of those around as we also know to our detriment. Both have a couple of years left at Lge 1/2 level, and don't be at all surprised to see Chambo back here next season against us ... !! And possibly Skuse too. I will be surprised if both aren't already fixed up for next season already - many teams could do much worse for sure. Thank You Both - my personal Best Wishes to you.

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blueboy1981 added 21:28 - May 10 ..... should read :- supporters - not supporter !!
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coolcat added 21:32 - May 10 Utmost professionals on the pitch. Skuse v underrated - you'd know if he wasn't there. Chambers somehow played through horrendous injuries and just got on with it. Always remember Freddies part in Chaplow's goal! All 3 always pleasant to have a chat with after games. Great with fans. Gave everything to the club. Shame they couldn't get a proper send off in front of the fans. Best of luck guys

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istanblue added 13:51 - May 11 Chambers was good for the first couple of seasons he was here, but should've been released at the end of the relegation season as he was constantly exposed for pace and often made mistakes (not to mention the unhealthy level of sway he held in the dressing room and club more generally). I personally never 'got' Skuse - a bang average defensive midfielder that sums up the kind of club we are. Their departures are a big part of the rebuild job.

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