One of Shelbourne's latest singings Ellis Chapman has revealed that it was the Damien Duff influence that kept him from a return to England and lured him to Tolka Park in North Dublin.
Chapman who made the move from Sligo Rovers to Shelbourne ahead of the 2025 League of Ireland season was ever present at the Showgrounds last year, earning 34 caps and netting nine goals in a rejuvenated attacking midfield role he slotted into.
However, Sligo Rovers was never the long-term goal for Chapman who only signed a one-year contract with the club last February, with the English man initially hoping to return closer to his partner and his family who live in Birmingham.
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21 September 2024; Ellis Chapman, centre, of Sligo Rovers celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Sligo Rovers and Dundalk at The Showgrounds in Sligo. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile
Chapman reveals impact Damien Duff had on his decision to abandon return to England
However, the charm of Damien Duff proved too much for Chapman, who has foregone the attraction of a return to England in favour of moving to the North Dublin suburb of Drumcondra.
Speaking to Daniel McDonnell of the Irish Independent, Chapman revealed
I did want to go back to England, only because of all the important stuff like my family and partner being back home.
I had information that Shels were interested [earlier in year], I completed the season, spoke to Luke Byrne quite a bit and had a meeting with the gaffer and it all came through that.
It was pretty straightforward as he wanted to get me in, but after that he might FaceTime me out of the blue and catch me by surprise. I was obviously a little bit nervous because it’s Damien Duff.
The Shelbourne defender was also relishing the chance to learn under Duff, explaining to McDonnell that his improvement as a player under the Ireland and Chelsea great was at the heart of his decision to stay in Dublin.
Before making his loan move to Sligo permanent in February of 2024, Chapman had been plying his trade in England. He started his professional career at Lincoln City where he was also a member of their youth academy, before making the move to Cheltenham Town where he spent four years. The 24-year-old has also enjoyed loan spells at Chesterfield and Oldham Town during his career.
While his move to Sligo was for just a single year, the reigning champions have secured the midfielder's services on what they described as a 'long term contract' when he put pen to paper last December.
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