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Chambers: I Was Told I Wouldn’t Be Leaving and Then I Would Be
Friday, 11th Jun 2021 08:57

Former Blues skipper Luke Chambers, who joined Colchester United on a two-year deal yesterday, says his Town exit came as a shock having been “told I wouldn’t be leaving and then I would be leaving” within a 10-day period.

The 35-year-old was released by the Blues at the end of the season after nine years and says the move to the U’s was one of a number he received with Gillingham also understood to have shown interest.

“Once it came up, it’s something that I wanted to talk to the guys about as soon as possible,” he told the Colchester Gazette.

“I’ve had quite a few offers from elsewhere but I think with the timing of it, with where I am with my career, with what I feel I can bring to the club and where the club want to go, it matched that really, really well and we got the deal done.

“We spoke a few days after the season. I think they let the dust settle on my release for a week maybe and we started speaking — they got my number from the boys here.

“We didn’t know what was going to happen at Ipswich, so once the news broke, I was straight on the phone really.

“It’s been really good to get to know everyone and for them to sell me the vision of the club and what they want to do moving forward and I think I fit into that pretty well.

“This has come at the perfect time for the club and for myself and I still feel I’ve got a hell of a lot to offer on the pitch.

“It’s not me coming here to see out my days as a player. I feel I’ve got three, four, five years left in me potentially so hopefully I can help us do that and enjoy the ride.

“It’s the perfect fit for me to come and give my experience to the club and hopefully add value to the club, going forward."

Chambers suggests there was a U-turn from the Town management on whether he would be remaining with the Blues.

“After being told I wouldn’t be leaving and then I would be leaving, it was a little bit of a shock in a ten-day period," he said.

“But that’s by the by; I’ve had a fantastic career there, I’ve played hundreds of games for the club, I’ve left my mark and I feel that everything that I did there was in the best interests of the football club.

“I gave the majority of my football career to that place and it will always have fond memories for me.

“Who knows what’s in the future but it’s really exciting for me to step away from that and look for the opportunities that have arisen here."

Chambers is settled in Suffolk, so a move to nearby Colchester suited from that angle.

“Especially with the last 18 months and what’s gone on in the world, it opens your eyes a little bit more," he reflected.
“My family are really, really important to me and it wouldn’t sit right for me if I was across the country playing for someone else and not seeing them on a day to day.

“That had a big part to play because at the end of the day, I’ve got four young children, my wife has been fantastic and moving was something I didn’t really want to look at."


Photo: Matchday Images



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Monkey_Blue added 13:25 - Jun 11
His treatment disgusted most of the squad I'm told. Cook stated the decisions had been made and wouldn't change then dumped chambers. We can discuss if it was right or wrong for him to go but there is no debate about his treatment being disrespectful but also shocking man management. He's made himself look two faced and lost the respect of players. It's the manner in which it was done that shows horrific judgement.
1

Monkey_Blue added 13:33 - Jun 11
Loads of players are going to be at the club next year who are mot happy with his ham fisted approach to management including a huge number of younger players who have lodged with him and been supported in their development. Let him go if you want but in the right way. Players are human beings and even if you don't mind your captain being disrespected or your other team mates you naturally know it could happen to you.
0

potter added 13:42 - Jun 11
People are right to feel how he was as player technically but one thing no one can criticise the bloke for was his commitment to this club. I think he was genuinely really proud to be captain of our football club and engaged with fans. He was also there to support the youngsters coming through with Downes admitting he had mental struggles that chambers helped him with. For me I hope he returns to the club one day as a coach and does his badges as it's been a long time since someone has had a lot of passion for our club, most likely the Royle/Burley era
3

BettyBlue added 15:16 - Jun 11
Pleased he's got a few games at Colchester.

We'll all be able work out whether he is a footballer or a donkey.
0

BettyBlue added 15:17 - Jun 11
Never won a a must win game with him as captain.
-1

BettyBlue added 15:17 - Jun 11
In five years.....
-1

BettyBlue added 15:18 - Jun 11
I'll put my money on donkey.
-1

coolcat added 17:55 - Jun 11
Wishing Chambers all the best at his new club. The manner of his and others' parting was no doubt badly handled. Will remember how Chambers put himself on the line every match. In the last few seasons especially, he often overcompensated for others & took the rap for it. He also played through horrendous injuries and it was a hard job to keep him from playing. He made for a fantastic role model for the youngsters here, even letting part of his home out to some. However, he has a new start/challenge. He can put all of that behind him. Pleased also that it's not too much of an upheaval for him and his family.
1

SheptonMalletBlue added 18:35 - Jun 11
You certainly left your mark, League 1!!!! Did you fist pump Cookie?
1

cantona11 added 19:06 - Jun 11
itfcim
0

cantona11 added 19:14 - Jun 11
itfcim well said all the people that say what a great captain he was and a great bloke he was one of the worst footballers we have had in many a year since he has been at the club its been all downhill under his leadership should never have played as many games as he did and finally a manager that can see through him as we need to start having a solid back line and with him in it it was far from solid I even think the wolfy is not the answer to relaxed so I'm hoping we will see a few defender coming in aswell as a good keeper looking fwd to watching games without him on the team sheet I'm sure I'll find someone else to shout at now though!!!!!!
2

jas0999 added 19:37 - Jun 11
I wish Chambers well, but it was time for him and the club to move on. Overall a good move for him. Sadly, we need better.
1

fistpumpfury added 20:50 - Jun 11
I wish him well. Yes, he has an error in him. Yes he lacked pace at times but he did have commitment and dedication. He worked hard. He also assisted a lot of younger players under the radar by helping them with accommodation and looking after them. He was a club man and that should not be forgotten. He was a role model of a captain. I hope him and his family go on to have a great life in Suffolk. Thanks Skip.
-1

Facefacts added 20:53 - Jun 11
Loved the headed goal he scored against Sheffield Wednesday. Watched it on Twitter a lot to see if it was very lucky, or brilliant and intentional. Some good memories but he would not fit into the new set up.
0

dirtydingusmagee added 21:25 - Jun 11
Oh well, move on .
2

MaySixth added 00:23 - Jun 12
The world shrugs.
2


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