Luke Chambers says Ipswich Town has become his home ahead of a crunch game at the club he almost joined in January, Nottingham Forest, this weekend.

The 31-year-old made 229 appearances for Forest between 2007 and 2012, but has now been with the Blues even longer, racking up 240 appearances in five years.

Despite being hailed by manager Mick McCarthy as one of the best captains he has ever worked with, Chambers came very close to re-joining Forest on January transfer deadline day before the move was halted at the last minute.

And now, as fate would have it, he could play a part in relegating the East Midlands club on the final day of the Championship season. Just goal difference keeps Mark Warburton’s men outside the drop zone heading into Sunday’s match, which will be televised live by Sky Sports (12pm ko).

Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn occupy 22nd spot, while Harry Redknapp’s Birmingham are still in danger.

“I find myself out of contract at the end of the season but I’m hoping to stay,” said Chambers, writing for the club programme before McCarthy revealed that the Blues would be taking up their option to extend the skipper’s deal by a further 12 months.

“I’m 31 and I still feel I have a lot of years ahead of me and a lot to offer the side. I’ve kept myself ticking over and, touch wood, I’ve been injury free for the majority of my career. I still feel I’ve got a lot to offer.

“Ipswich has become my home for the past five years and I think everyone who knows me realises how much I care for this club.”

Having moved back to his preferred role of centre-back in recent months, Chambers admits he’d rather not return to playing the right-back position he has occupied for most of his time at Portman Road.

“I’ve played at centre-half since January and feel my form has consistently improved,” he said. “That’s my natural position and I think that has shown in my performances since then.

“In an ideal world I would rather not play as a right-back again, but it’s about doing what is right for the team.”

The Kettering-born defender is the only Championship outfield player to have played every minute of every game this season.

“That’s a stat I’m proud of,” he said. “I think I’ve played the most minutes out of any player in the league.”