Chapman credits Aussie rules for shot-stopping style at St Mirren

St Mirren’s new goalkeeper Jacob Chapman has credited his background in Australian rules football for the commanding, all-action style he hopes will make him the Buddies’ No. 1. The 25-year-old signed a two-year deal at the Scottish Premiership club last week after leaving Huddersfield Town.

Chapman spent seven years with the Terriers but decided the time was right to seek regular first-team football elsewhere. He has now made the move north of the border to join Craig McLeish’s side, who lifted the Premier Sports Cup last season.

“That’s probably the Aussie way”

Speaking about his approach between the sticks, Chapman 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.”

He added: “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, who is looking to get his St Mirren side playing more expansive football from the back, sees Chapman as a key part of that plan. The goalkeeper acknowledged the manager’s demands, saying: “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.”

Chapman said that side of his game suits him. He added: “That’s what I like to do and feel comfortable with as well so he definitely uses me when he wants to.”

Settling in Paisley after years of loans

Chapman played regularly for Huddersfield two seasons ago but spent last season on loan at Crawley Town, having also had spells away at Salford City, Rochdale, Gateshead and Ossett United. He is looking forward to settling somewhere on a permanent basis for the first time in a while.

“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,” Chapman said. “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.”

The goalkeeper also revealed he sought the lowdown on St Mirren from former Huddersfield teammate Jak Alnwick, who previously played for the Paisley club, and was pleased to link up with fellow Australian Keanu Baccus during the squad’s pre-season trip to Spain.

“We are lucky to have Keanu here, he seems like such a top guy and I’ve only heard such good things about him,” Chapman said. “It was really nice to meet him and he only had good things to say. We have Jak at Huddersfield who played here as well and it was all just so positive. It’s just a no-brainer for me.”

St Mirren have just returned from their Spanish training base and now turn their attention to defending the Premier Sports Cup, starting with a fixture against Dumbarton this weekend. McLeish has also been linked with a move for former Rangers defender Leon King as he continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.