Brisbane Roar have confirmed the signing of former Olyroo and Joeys captain Connor Chapman on an 18-month contract.
The Australian Institute of Sport graduate brings extensive experience to the Roar across both the Isuzu UTE A-League and Asia, having spent four years in Korea.
Chapman made his professional debut as a 17-year-old for the Newcastle Jets a decade ago and has developed into a versatile defensive midfielder, centre-back or right-back.
He now hopes to become a senior figure for Brisbane.
“I want to make a mark on the A-League,” Chapman said.
“I want to progress my career and be a leader. I’m getting into that stage of my career. I’ve got the opportunity to do that here with Brisbane and I’m excited.
“It’s a younger team but that’s good. Younger players are hungry.
“I’m 27 now, so I’m at the age where hopefully I can share my experiences with some of those younger boys, help make them better players and help the team where I can.”
The move is the culmination of head coach Warren Moon’s long-held interest in Chapman, who played with Corey Brown at youth international level and with Scott Neville in Newcastle.
“I originally spoke to Warren about six months ago, to potentially come up here for the start of the season,” he said.
“Warren did really well last year with the squad and that gave me confidence that if I was able to come up here I would be able to progress my career.
“He’s obviously a very good coach and while maybe this season things haven’t gone the team’s way yet, I think potentially one or two players could change that.
“All the boys have been really welcoming and it’s a great feeling around the team.”
Moon welcomed Chapman’s arrival from FC Seoul.
“Connor is a really well-rounded player who brings a lot of great attributes, both in terms of his on-field ability and his general character,” the Head Coach said.
“We look forward to bringing him up to speed as soon as we can and I have no doubt he will integrate well with the group.”
The Roar are next in action on Sunday, February 13 in a double-header at Moreton Daily Stadium crucial for both the men’s and women’s sides at the club to climb up their respective tables.
