Chappy is a full time Claret

Last updated : 12 September 2003 By Tony Scholes

Richard Chaplow - has signed a three year deal  Photo © Burnley FC
It is rare these days for players at Burnley to be offered full time deals before the end of their scholarship but such has been Richard’s progress over the last few months the club have acted now rather than risk losing him.

Since making his debut at Norwich as a sub he has gone on to make four league starts, scored his first league goal and picked up a couple of Man of the Match awards already this season. And that’s not bad going for an 18 year-old who less than a year ago was out of the game with illness.

The contract runs until the end of the 2005/06 season but if Chappy has his way he will be staying at Turf Moor a lot longer than that.

In an interview with the official site this morning he said, "I’m delighted to have signed, I have supported the club since I was a young lad. I’ve been with the Club since I was about eight years old and being involved with the first team is something I have wanted to do all my life."

And he showed his commitment adding, "I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my years here."

Congratulations from Clarets Mad Chappy, we are delighted to see you rewarded with your first contract. It is fully deserved.

Clarets Mad would like to thank Burnley Football Club for providing the photograph in this article. It is very much appreciated.