Richard Chaplow has been a solid player for Saints over the past two years or so, sadly he has been blighted by bad luck.

When Richard Chaplow arrived back at St Mary's on loan in September 2010 he came into a side that needed a boost and he quickly provided it being a hard working regular that got few plaudits as other took the glory.

He looked certain to replicate that in the Championship, but early doors he was sent off at Barnsley which took a month out of his season and then just as he got back into the side and was arguably the form player, he suffered an injury at Bristol City that would keep him out of league action for almost three months. He returned though and played a vital role in the run in to promotion.

This season though was always going to be tough for Chaplow, most thought that perhaps the Premiership would be a step too far, indeed at West Brom he had played in the top flight before being loaned out to Saints mid season although perhaps his hard working type of game might be useful at times, truth was though that with plenty of midfield options, he wasnt to get much of a chance.

Most Saints fans will be pushed to remember him playing this season, thats probably because two of his three Premier appearances as sub were away from home, however he did play a part, in his final game at Chelsea he came on with 23 minutes left and Saints 2-1 down and worked hard to not only get Saints back in it but close the game out and make sure that Chelsea didnt get a late winner.

Soon after he went on loan at Millwall , but his unlucky streak continued, at Saints he always had the knack of picking up injuries at the wrong time and this proved to be the case at Millwall where after barely a month he was again out for the season, of course the biggest tragedy was yet to come with the sad death of his baby, somethng which all Saints fans sympathised with him for.

So what does the future hold for Richard, sadly I think like many at the club for the past few years, he will be on a good wage after promotion increases etc, so next season he will again be looking at a loan somwhere, sadly this is the way of life in todays game where the gulf between Championship and Premier is so wide and Richard like many before him was playing for a wage increase in the promotion year rather than a shot at the Premier.

5/10 for Richard Chaplow, no reflection on his contribution to this football club, just that his chances were limited. 

Photo: Action Images

TreeHugger added 10:05 - Jun 5 chappers has been a great servant to the club and im gutted he never got a chance this season. Injuries stopped any momentum he had from the championship and with morgan and cork stepping up, it was impossible to give him a go. I think he would be a good buy for the clubs coming up and still has a lot to offer if he can stay injury free. he always striked me as a player who improved after a run of games. i wouldnt be surprised if adkins picked him up. I wish him well if he moves on

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slynch added 10:32 - Jun 5 Another player who played a big part in Saints' rapid rise through the leagues and played themselves out of the team. The midfield has a plethora of similar players Hammond, Davies, Schneiderlein, Cork etc and Chaplow could replace any of them without effecting the team greatly. Well done Chappers.
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stmichael added 10:59 - Jun 5 Useful squad player and like everybody else when he gets his chance he has to take it. Being South America I am sure he will have a good relationship with his manager. To be honest too much is made of the stick he gets. Neither he or Fox get abused by any more then a small minority. Thankfully it is also only a small minority that greet De Ridder with STEEEEVE
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SaintNick added 11:00 - Jun 5 Since when has Chaplow been south American Mike !!!!!!
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stmichael added 11:06 - Jun 5 Of course the above was meant for Gulys review..
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SaintNick added 11:54 - Jun 5 If you cant tell the difference between a black Brazilian and a bald headed slaphead from Accrington, how are we able to believe that you can tell the difference in other areas of the pitch
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saintandy11 added 11:55 - Jun 5 With our all action & pressing midfield I would have thought Chappers style of playing would have fitted perfectly into that role. We have been very lucky with injuries/suspensions in that area this season, next season we might not be so lucky so I can see Chappers playing the role of a good squad player. Worth letting him go out on loan again, but with a re-call clause.

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