Wigan Athletic starlet opens up on being rejected twice at Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United

The 20-year-old defender was a revelation in the backline since being handed his senior debut by Gary Caldwell at Stockport in February.

Having been released as a teenager by both Sheffield United and Oldham Athletic as a teenager, Chapman is living proof that if at first you don't succeed...try, try, try again.

He's certainly come a long way since making his unofficial debut for Latics at AFC Fylde in July 2024 when, playing as a trialist, he was erroneously named on the team sheet by the home side

Then-boss Shaun Maloney spoke effusively about Chapman after the game, and it proved to be the first step on the road to a first-team future.

"It was a surreal day looking back," said Chapman. "I just wanted to enjoy myself and show what I could do.

"I certainly wasn't expecting to play so soon after coming in, but I was just determined to give me all and do myself justice.

"I'm so grateful for the gaffer at the time for seeing something in me and giving me an opportunity.

"Attitude is something I pride myself on. As long as you're giving it 100 per cent, that's really all you can do."

Chapman then opened up on the heartache at being released not once but twice during his formative years, which he says only provided the 'fuel' to 'prove people wrong'.

"It was a difficult time at Oldham," said Chapman. "I was a third-year scholar at the time, and I was looking to sign a professional contract.

"But they didn't want to take a risk on me because of the financial situation there at the time.

"They wanted me to stay, but said that if I did, I would have to be starting every week in the first team, and they didn't see me being capable of doing that, so they let me go.

"It wasn't the first setback I'd had in the game...I was at Sheffield United, who let me go at 16, so it wasn't the first time.

"It just gives you that extra fuel to come back and prove people wrong, and show you are good enough.

"There were times when I thought it might not happen for me...definitely. But my family and my friends always believed me and kept me going.

"You've got to believe in yourself as well, which I always have, I just needed the chance to show what I could do.

"Wigan gave me a big opportunity to prove myself, they showed a lot of trust in me, and I'm determined to make the most of it."

Chapman made nine appearances in the run-in last season, before picking up a knee injury in early April.

He has since undergone surgery, and he was pictured in the gym along with the rest of his colleagues as the squad returned for pre-season training on Monday.