FORMER Colchester United defender Luke Chambers has landed a prestigious prize at the EFL Awards.

The ex-U's skipper was presented with the Tom Finney award, recognising his outstanding achievements and service to the game.

Chambers played in all three EFL divisions across an outstanding playing career spanning two decades.

 

Chambers said: "I believe I led my career being as selfless as possible, being the captain of every club I played for and trying to lead in the best way I knew how, but obviously always putting my team-mates and the club first.

"I jumped straight out of football and needed a bit of time away from the game because I'd given absolutely everything, so I haven't really taken stock of everything that I did.

"To be recognised at the end of 20 years of giving absolutely everything is absolutely unbelievable."

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Clubs, players, managers and fans were recognised for their achievements at the awards, held at Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in London, last night.

Chambers made 791 Football League appearances during his long and distinguished career.

The 38-year-old played 86 times in his two seasons with the U's, missing only six league matches out of a possible 92 during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Gazette:

Chambers made his professional debut for Northampton Town against Mansfield Town back in May 2003 and went onto become club captain.

He went on to make 455 Championship appearances​, 155 League One appearances ​and 157 League Two appearances, placing him seventh in the list of all-time EFL appearance makers.

Chambers has two promotions on his CV with Northampton and Nottingham Forest and was captain of Ipswich Town, between 2014 and 2021 before joining Colchester.

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He was a player who wore his heart on his sleeve, acting as a role model to many ​by being as a true professional.

The Sir Tom Finney Award is given out by the EFL in recognition of a player who has made an outstanding contribution to football and the league.

To be eligible for the 2024 award, players must have been retired ahead of the start of the 2023/24 season. The award was renamed in honour of Preston North End and England legend, Sir Tom Finney, following his death in 2014.

Gazette: Luke Chambers

Sir Tom’s talent, loyalty and commitment marked him out as an exceptional player and model professional.

Winners of the award typically display longevity and commitment to Clubs in the EFL, whilst playing a fundamental role in a Club’s success in EFL competitions.

This is demonstrated not only by excellent footballing ability, but also by model professionalism off the pitch.

The 2023 winner of this award was former Wycombe Wanderers and AFC Wimbledon forward Adebayo Akinfenwa.

Former U's favourite Sammie Szmodics was included in the EFL Championship team of the season following his excellent campaign for Blackburn Rovers while ex-U's loanee Elliot Lee was named in the League Two team of the season.