Richard Chaplow has wasted no time in getting next season sorted out as he rejoins Millwall.

Richard Chaplow has once again left St Mary's, after agreeing that he would have his contract cancelled by mutual consent, no small matter in the fact that he would almost certainly have been on far higher money at Saints than he can get elsewhere, he was now able to negotiate a deal elsewhere and he has done so in rejoining Millwall, the club he spent time with on loan last season.

Chaplow originally joined Saints on loan in February 2006 from West Bromwich Albion, he made 11 starts for the club and scored 1 goal before injury curtailed his time at the Club.

After leaving the Baggies he then spent 3 years with Preston before once again coming back South in September 2010, initially on loan before making the move permanent in January 2011, playing a big part in our promotion from League 1 starting 25 games plus 5 as sub and chipping in with 4 goals.

His return to the Championship with Saints didnt start well, in the second game of the season he was sent off at Barnsley only minutes after coming on as sub, but he would soon return to the side after a three match ban and although injury again ruled him out for 10 weeks just as he was hitting his top form, he again bounced back and made 23 appearances in the league and weighed in with 3 goals as his return saw Saints soar back to the Premier league.

But the return to the top flight for Chaplow was a step too far, chances of a game were few and far between, a solitary minute on as sub at Everton, 28 minutes at home to Fulham and 23 minutes in the great fightback at Chelsea being his only chances of action and although he let no one down in those appearances you sensed that he wouldnt get much of a look in and it was no surprise when he went to Millwall on loan in March of this year.

His time at the New Den would be brief, only a month and 4 games before he picked up an injury that finished his season along with the chance of a Wembley appearance in the FA Cup semis, however he had done enough to make the Lions take notice and it seems that he was willing to take a pay cut in order to get regular football.

Richard Chaplow was always popular with the fans at Saints be it in his first spell or the much longer second, he appeared to love us too judging by his comments on twitter in the past few days, so good luck to Richard in his future career, and he is assured a warm welcome whenever he returns to the clus.

Career Stats for Saints

2005/06

11 league starts (0) 1 goal

Sep 2010- May 2013

44 League Starts (17) 7 Goals

3 FA Cup 1 Goal

5 League Cup 1 goal

Photo: Action Images

thingummy added 18:14 - Jul 15 what a bargain signing he was - and a really important player in 1st half championship season (when we were at our best). He has a good engine and his short game was really good. He did not look at all out of pace playing with those guys still in our 1st team. If he hadn't been injured I think he might have got more game time in PL but somehow his moment was gone. Millwall have a really good player - especially at the championship level. He wants to play football, not train all week and then not play Saturday. I also think he will get better as he gets older Best game for me was that vs Forest at home ........ everywhere Sorry to see those guys leave who got us to this level and who were really part of that team

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LostBoys added 18:16 - Jul 15 Always a favourite of mine - all out effort if lacking some skills. I am sad to see him go and wish circumstances were different but I think he will do weel.
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winchesterbob added 09:06 - Jul 16 Yes, good luck Chappers, I'm sure he will give Millwall the same 110% that was his trademark game in a Saints shirt
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davepid added 17:06 - Jul 16 Always played as well as he could and we fans like that. Real pity he didn't finish that 25? Pass move at home to Birmingham two seasons ago as he would then be on any saints highlights video, but he scored that great first time strike against Man U in the FA cup. Can't help but think he deserves a bigger club than Millwall
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