Chappy looking forward to Chapman reunion

Jan 16 2013 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

Annan captain Scott Chaplain says he is looking forward to being reunited with his old boss Jim Chapman, whom he played under during his time at Dumbarton and Albion Rovers.

Chapman brought the 29-year-old to Albion Rovers in 2005 and then to Dumbarton in 2009.

Although enjoying his first season at the Rock, Chappy fell out of favour with the manager the following season and ended up moving back to Albion Rovers in January 2011.

However, Chaplain sees there being no problems whatsoever as Chapman officially takes over from Harry Cairney this week.

The Westwood man told the News: “I still get on well with Jim and we’ve kept in touch since I was at Dumbarton.

“I’m looking forward to it because a new manager usually gives the place a lift and the players are always keen to impress him, so I think that will help us on the field.

“In fairness, the caretaker manager (Euan Brydson) has done a great job since Harry resigned and having won three out of our last five we are on a good run and I’m sure Jim can help us continue that.

“My time at Dumbarton didn’t work out too well. I had a great first season, but the second season wasn’t so good and I left but that was a few years ago.

“Jim will add an extra dimension, there will be a buzz about the place and we’ll just need to see where he takes us.”

Annan claimed a 2-1 win over Montrose on Saturday as they edged closer to the playoff places and Chappy believes the new boss can bring a consistency that has been lacking for the Borderers this season.

He added: “We have been in and out of the playoff spots all season and that’s been very frustrating.

“There’s no use in going on these wee spurts of form if we are going to dip for a few games after it. We end up back where we started and I’m sure the inconsistency in our performances will be the first thing Jim will talk to us about.

“It was a good win on Saturday and puts us back within a couple of points of Montrose and the other teams in the playoff places.

“We’ve been playing well recently and the only game we’ve lost in the last five was away to Rangers so there’s plenty to feel positive about.”