Ipswich Town midfielder Cole Skuse says losing ‘unbelievable captain’ Luke Chambers would be a ‘massive blow’ for the club.

Chambers is coming to the end of his contract and the club have yet to tell him whether they will be taking up their option of a 12-month extension. The 31-year-old defender saw a move back to his former club of Nottingham Forest blocked on January transfer deadline day.

Skuse, who was best man at Chambers’ wedding in the summer of 2015, said: “It was public, everyone knew the situation, Chambo was close to going to Nottingham Forest and his contract situation is a little bit up in the air.

“It wouldn’t be right for me to speak on Luke’s behalf about his contract situation to you. You’d have to speak to him about that, but we are very close and do a lot of talking.

“As much as the lads love to give him a bit of stick about... Well just being Chambo! None of them want to see him leave. He’s an unbelievable captain, the best I’ve played under and I’m sure a lot of the lads would say the same. For him to leave would be a massive blow for the club in general.”

He continued: “Let me give you an insight into Chambo. He’s got three young kids and, as anyone who has kids knows, that is tough. There are times when you’ve been up all night, given them breakfast, changed pooey nappies and you get to work and think ‘Jesus’.

“That’s not the case with Chambo. He comes in every morning like he’s drunk 10 cans of Red Bull! He’s Mr Hyper, he never has a down day, he’s Mr Positivity, the loudest around the changing room.

“It’s the smaller details. Before the game he hands out tickets, he makes sure everyone is looked after before he himself is looked after, he arranges meals for the lads.

“He’s the most vocal before the game, his speeches in the huddle are always very, very good. He’s just an all-round character.

“Another good trait is that he’s approachable to anyone. There were times when I was a young lad and you’d feel a tad bit scared of approaching a captain to get things off your chest. I think any of the young lads would feel comfortable approaching Chambo about anything.”