Ipswich defender Luke Chambers has been talking up his side as they look to embark on their first season outside the top two divisions since 1957.
The 33-year-old has made over 300 senior appearances for the Tractor Boys, having arrived from Nottingham Forest in 2012. He played 43 times last season as they suffered a humiliating relegation from the Championship, propping up the table for almost every minute of the season.
Chambers has been telling the club’s official website that he feels that the players got away with murder last year and they can’t afford a bad start to life in League One.
“I’ve said it before that as players we got away with ‘murder’ last year,” he said.
“With a positive environment about the place even though we weren’t winning games. That won’t last long next season though and we will need players to step up and deliver.”
The message might have been intended to strike a chord with the supporters, but the Portman Road faithful saw enough last season to leave them a little cynical when it comes to hollow words.
Some have reacted badly to Chambers’ message, with one suggesting he’s been getting away with murder for several years. It could be a tough gig for the players if they do get off to a bad start, as these replies suggest.
He's been getting away with murder for the past 3 or 4 years.
— John Slater (@JohnSlaterITFC) June 6, 2019
Chambers been getting away with murder for about 3 years. The best side next year does not include him! #itfc
— Samuel Prebble (@SamPrebble95) June 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/delboyderis/status/1136579216135188480
https://twitter.com/davidarnott1412/status/1136640631399505921
My brother , an Ipswich fan said chambers was the worse player ? Marcus Evans as chairman I say again houses and flats on Portman road less than 4years
— Ali (@aliwhay) June 6, 2019
Thinks there's quite a few stealing a living from ITFC at the moment.
— Jon (@JonnyBWoode) June 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/samueldwilliams/status/1136637695583752193
https://twitter.com/samueldwilliams/status/1136638627314884608
Shocking player, Forest Gump springs to mind
— PAUL (@Chips43Paul) June 6, 2019
I trust PL he knows that Chambers must not start every game. Luke has been a good servant to the club but time after time last season he was caught on the wrong side of the attacking player or far too slow to make an effective challenge. Please give him another role at the club and put all efforts into signing a strong, quick centre back to fight for a place with Nsala and
Wolfeden. To say that the players got away with murder last year is an insult to our football team. We were relegated to the 3rd level how can that be getting away with it?