Jacob Chapman has insisted his Australian rules football background will help him become St Mirren's dominant No. 1. The 25-year-old goalkeeper signed a two-year deal from Huddersfield Town last week and is ready to bring his all-action style to the Scottish Premiership side.
Commanding the Box
Chapman, who spent seven years at Huddersfield, said: “I can play out from the back but I’m a good shot-stopper as well. Commanding the box, making it your own and any balls I can come for I come for. I think that's probably the Aussie way as well to be honest. I don't know if it's because of the Aussie rules but coming for everything you can and taking the pressure off your team. There is nothing better than a cross where you come and just relieve your defenders and you get a pat on the back or head, so definitely that as well.”
McLeish's Style
New St Mirren manager Craig McLeish wants his side to play more football from the back, and Chapman is key to that plan. The keeper said: “Yeah, he's big on that for sure. Obviously, he's made it clear that my main job is to keep the ball out of the net but if I can step in and be that extra man, extra centre back at times and help the team play out and create opportunities and control the ball and control the game. He definitely wants me to do that as well. That's what I like to do and feel comfortable with as well so he definitely uses me when he wants to.”
Ambitious Club
Chapman decided to leave Huddersfield after seven years to secure regular first-team football. McLeish has given him that chance at Paisley, with the Premier Sports Cup winners. “I think the way he plays can definitely showcase what I like doing as well,” Chapman added. “I like to think I'm versatile but if it's with a ball at my feet as well I definitely prefer that. They're ambitious and a club going in the right direction as well. They won a cup and there’s a reason you win a cup. Obviously we’re a decent side and I think it's going to be a very strong season. A lot of work to do before then but I'm very confident on this season. Everyone around the group is all for it, all together, all going in the same direction and that definitely helps sell it to me as well.”
Settling In
Chapman has had numerous loan spells during his time at Huddersfield, including at Crawley Town, Salford City, Rochdale, Gateshead, and Ossett United. He said: “Obviously there is nothing wrong with loans but you'd never fully feel settled obviously because it is just a loan and it's not a permanent where you're living. But it's nice to do that and settle down in an apartment soon or a house, whatever it is, and call Glasgow my new home which I'm really excited for as well.”
He also turned to former Huddersfield teammate Jak Alnwick, who played for St Mirren, for advice. “We are lucky to have Keanu here, he seems like such a top guy and I've only heard such good things about him. It was really nice to meet him and he only had good things to say. We have Jak (Alnwick) at Huddersfield who played here as well and it was all just so positive. It's just a no-brainer for me.”
Pre-Season
The St Mirren squad has just returned from a pre-season trip to Spain, where they handed Stevie Mallan a chance to shine. They are now preparing to kick off their Premier Sports Cup defence against Dumbarton on Saturday. Former Rangers defender Leon King is another player McLeish has spoken to this summer.
