Cheltenham Town Midfielder Set For Loan Move To Ireland

Cheltenham Town midfielder Ellis Chapman is set for a loan move to Sligo Rovers in the Irish Premier League, according to Gloucestershire Live. 

The 22-year-old has struggled for game time at Cheltenham Town this season, only starting in three matches in League One so far. Last season, the midfielder found himself out on loan at Oldham Athletic for a large portion of the season, after originally moving on a one month deal, but ended up making 24 appearances for the Latics.

Chapman started his professional career at Lincoln City, the club which gave him his debut at the age of 16. The Imps believed that they had a real prospect on their hands, with Danny Cowley praising the youngster at the time.

“He’s going to be a hell of a player,” the former Imps boss said to Lincolnshire Live at the time, “he trains with the first team virtually 24/7. He’s got really good ability. He’s an exceptional passer and receives the ball very well.”

The midfielder has so far failed to live up to the expectations that were placed upon him from his early teenage years. In 2020, he was signed by Cheltenham Town yet has only made 58 appearances for the Gloucestershire outfit so far.

It has now been reported by Gloucestershire Live that the Englishman is set for a move across the Irish sea to Sligo Rovers in a bid to earn himself more minutes.

Cheltenham and Sligo have history working on transfers together. The Robins sold wing-back Reece Hutchinson to the Bit O’Red in May of this year, after already sending the left-sided player on loan to them. There have also been moves in the opposite direction such as Aidan Keena who signed from Sligo last January.

Darrell Clarke’s men will be hoping to bridge the gap to safety in League One as they travel to Carlisle United this Saturday.

Writer’s View

Chapman had opportunities to move up the tiers when he was still only a teenager, yet for whatever reason this did not end up being the case. Now lacking major game time in the EFL, this move could be the making of the player.

Club’s in the football league have had success sending their young stars over to Ireland for loan moves, and there is a good chance this deal has the potential to be added to that list.