As a schoolboy, Chapman was chosen to attend the Football Association's School of Excellence at Lilleshall Hall.
He only made 23 League appearances for the "Gills", however, before he was forced to retire from professional football due to injuries.
[4] He finished his playing career with non-league club Whitehawk of the Sussex County League.
[5] In October 2006 he returned to former club Brighton in a coaching role, initially in a part-time capacity while remaining manager of Whitehawk.
[8] He later coached Conference National strugglers Lewes on a casual basis while looking for another full-time job in the sport.