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Absolutely love the bloke for what he did in the L1 promotion season and the first half of the Championship season, but the second half of the season he fell off the cliff.
When was his last competitive goal/assist?
If he was all that and a bag of chips, why is nobody higher than Pompey in for him?
We'll be fine.
8
Collective headless re: Chappers on 09:27 - Sep 2 with 2212 views
I’m like most of the fans like Chaplin and sad to see him move on.
I watched him Saturday and don’t think he made a huge impact on the game and we now have other, hopefully better options at the club. They might take a few games to show this but would it be fair to keep Chaplin knowing in 3-4 games he’s going to 3rd choice.
He hasn’t been getting much game time so in fairness to him we’ve done the right think and let him go out on loan. Plus we don’t know if the player himself was desperate to leave.
As with Wolfy it’s the right time to move on.
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Collective headless re: Chappers on 10:01 - Sep 2 with 2005 views
Measure of progress by bsw722 Sep 8:46 I would hope everyone on this list is behind the club, apart from the obvious trollers, although school's back now :-).
Chaplin is a great discussion point and I think fans have a much more a more romantic view based on his prior contributions in the League 1 promotion rather than recent contributions and future potential this season. I do not think that Chaplin has had a significant impact on matches since mid season 23-24.
He was outstanding in 22-23 and carried that in 23-24 up to around mid December 23, scoring 9 and contributing 7 assists. From start of 22-23 to mid December 23 he scored 35 league goals in 67 matches, pretty much a goal every other game, plus 12 assists.
I remember that there was discussion on here about how Chaplin's form seemed to drop in the second half of the Championship season, luckily the impact of that drop was lessened by Omari developing and filling the gap (Omari scored 9 of his 10 goals from mid December), so impact was not felt.
Since the start of the year in 2024, Chaplin has scored 6 goals in 42 league matches (5 in 20 at Champ level and 1 in 22 at PL level) and 3 assists (2 in Champ and 1 in PL). He was hampered with a knee injury at start of this year which will have impacted, as will the step up in levels from League 1 to Champ to PL, but his level of impact and contribution to the team and results has without doubt dropped.
Now compare that contribution to some others, who are maybe not looked at so fondly because of price tag they came with and the fact they were not members of the double promotion team - obvs looking at the PL season only.
Szmodics - Played 20, 4 goals but no assists (Hampered by injury significantly)
J Clarke - Played 31, 4 assists but no goals.
Philogene - Played 10, 2 goals
I agree the above have not set the world on fire but everyone struggled last season, but what they contributed are on a par at least with Chaplin, however they are judged much more harshly.
If people are able to judge Chaplin without clouding the judgement based on contributions from 18 months ago, I think it is clear that moving on was probably best for both parties.
It also means that the likes of Szmodics, Philogene and Clarke (plus other new arrivals) now have to be used in the best way by McKenna, and deliver what is needed.
6
Collective headless re: Chappers on 10:26 - Sep 2 with 1895 views
Fell off a cliff in the second half of 23/24? Really?
Crucial goals against Sunderland and Bristol City (both of them headers), was involved heavily in the game of the decade against Southampton, winner against Blackburn three days earlier, assist for Burns in the Huddersfield game.
I'd argue Broadhead was actually the one who was potentially being phased out. We preferred to use Hutchinson on the left instead of him in that Huddersfield game. Sidenote I thought Broadhead looked better in the PL than the Championship at times.
People can correct me if wrong but I think the uproar around it is more linked to the now perceived lack of 'strong characters' and captain figures around the club and not necessarily his ability, albeit we are going to miss what he brings.
Understandable because we barely know half our squads first names. There are probably more characters in there than we think.
I’m of the same opinion, the last 18 months I don’t think he has done enough and we have better now however as a club person he has been outstanding so sorry to seem him go in that respect.
3
Collective headless re: Chappers on 10:35 - Sep 2 with 1800 views
It could be great but he could also be anonymous for a run of games. Much like most players really. There’s certainly a lot of misty eyed revisionism going on, but I also think Chappers deserves it. When he was on it he was instrumental in our best football. For his ‘best of’ video we could just play our highlights reel from 23/24. He was the right player in the right team at the right time. We had such a good blend across the front line and he fit us perfectly. He was also a great teammate by the looks of it and must have really helped lift the mood.
He certainly isn’t irreplaceable as a footballer though, so I see where you’re coming from. We move on but I’ll miss him.
I mainly wanted chappers to stay for his foundation work and leadership group, plus a handy sub option who can turn a game with some crazy one touch passes
Collective headless re: Chappers on 10:36 - Sep 2 by FrimleyBlue
I mainly wanted chappers to stay for his foundation work and leadership group, plus a handy sub option who can turn a game with some crazy one touch passes
I'm devastated to see him move on. Hard to argue that his form and contributions have fallen from his League One campaign but that is hardly a surprise given the level of quality we faced.
Felt he deserved more games at certain times although he did miss a large chunk through injury last year and dare I say it the birth of one of his children seemed to coincide with a lack of form. Our loss much like Sam Morsy is not only his talent on the pitch but his work around the squad and ability to knit everyone together.
Where it hurts for me and probably for most is that he just seemed the ultimate pro, spoke well, trained hard, gave it everything, a leader and never ever showed anything but love and appreciation for the club and fans. Off the pitch he is delightful, engaging and a true ambassador for the club.
Arguably the most respected and loved member of the squad over the past few years and for that alone he deserves to be playing, good luck to him, hope he smashes it until January and we have no option but to recall him here in the best form of his life!
Thanks Chappers for everything, I really do hope this is not the end, just a pause.
Collective headless re: Chappers on 10:39 - Sep 2 by Swansea_Blue
And can I just add that no thread about Chappers is complete without this :)
Have replayed that about 15 times & still keep filling up - for both reasons.
Worth watching the full 4-minute video of KA's discussion behind it re CC's departure on loan; between them they have it spot on imo. Interesting that AJ (I think it was) commented that maybe we'll see him back at PR (tho in what role he didn't speculate).
Collective headless re: Chappers on 10:49 - Sep 2 by Roburmsyenna
I'm devastated to see him move on. Hard to argue that his form and contributions have fallen from his League One campaign but that is hardly a surprise given the level of quality we faced.
Felt he deserved more games at certain times although he did miss a large chunk through injury last year and dare I say it the birth of one of his children seemed to coincide with a lack of form. Our loss much like Sam Morsy is not only his talent on the pitch but his work around the squad and ability to knit everyone together.
Where it hurts for me and probably for most is that he just seemed the ultimate pro, spoke well, trained hard, gave it everything, a leader and never ever showed anything but love and appreciation for the club and fans. Off the pitch he is delightful, engaging and a true ambassador for the club.
Arguably the most respected and loved member of the squad over the past few years and for that alone he deserves to be playing, good luck to him, hope he smashes it until January and we have no option but to recall him here in the best form of his life!
Thanks Chappers for everything, I really do hope this is not the end, just a pause.
Perfectly summed up!
I know it's the right move for him, and entirely what he deserves, as his minutes here will be very minimal, if all goes to plan.
Chappers truly was everything that was good about 'that' team. A top top player on his day, almost unplayable at times. His partnership with Wes was a massive part of our success, as was his ability to stealth in to brilliant positions for set pieces. He also scored some fantastic goals in our meteoric rise. Conner seems a true gent, he was knitted in to the community, he was obviously a well respected member of the squad and seemed like just a genuinely fun, good egg. His playing level may have dropped a tad in the last 12-18 months and perhaps can be bettered with our new signings, but will they fill the void of all the other great things Connor brought to the table? I very much doubt it. That's why this one hurts like a bitch!
0
Collective headless re: Chappers on 14:29 - Sep 2 with 1205 views
Collective headless re: Chappers on 11:04 - Sep 2 by Ryorry
Have replayed that about 15 times & still keep filling up - for both reasons.
Worth watching the full 4-minute video of KA's discussion behind it re CC's departure on loan; between them they have it spot on imo. Interesting that AJ (I think it was) commented that maybe we'll see him back at PR (tho in what role he didn't speculate).
He's just a really likeable bloke... From day 1 he immersed himself in the football club, on and off the pitch. Really professional, no off field baggage. I suspect a really low maintenance player to coach and manage...
It's hard to pick a stand out favourite from that squad. As they are all favourites.. But I recon, in 10 years time, when people are asked to name the double promotion squad. His name will be high on the list.
Don't think we are weaker on the pitch, though. Now that he's gone out on loan.. He could probably do with it tbh... He hasn't looked "at it" for a while and he's sliding down the pecking order.. Wish him well, and we move on.
1
Collective headless re: Chappers on 21:20 - Sep 2 with 801 views
Collective headless re: Chappers on 13:01 - Sep 2 by tonybied
Perfectly summed up!
I know it's the right move for him, and entirely what he deserves, as his minutes here will be very minimal, if all goes to plan.
Chappers truly was everything that was good about 'that' team. A top top player on his day, almost unplayable at times. His partnership with Wes was a massive part of our success, as was his ability to stealth in to brilliant positions for set pieces. He also scored some fantastic goals in our meteoric rise. Conner seems a true gent, he was knitted in to the community, he was obviously a well respected member of the squad and seemed like just a genuinely fun, good egg. His playing level may have dropped a tad in the last 12-18 months and perhaps can be bettered with our new signings, but will they fill the void of all the other great things Connor brought to the table? I very much doubt it. That's why this one hurts like a bitch!
He has been one of the few players with a spark this season. Others seem to be going through the motions and for his passion alone he should be still in the squad. This is a very underrated part of team building and while we seem.to hame a a quality squad we clearly don't have a team.
0
Collective headless re: Chappers on 21:35 - Sep 2 with 749 views
Collective headless re: Chappers on 10:26 - Sep 2 by Garv
Fell off a cliff in the second half of 23/24? Really?
Crucial goals against Sunderland and Bristol City (both of them headers), was involved heavily in the game of the decade against Southampton, winner against Blackburn three days earlier, assist for Burns in the Huddersfield game.
I'd argue Broadhead was actually the one who was potentially being phased out. We preferred to use Hutchinson on the left instead of him in that Huddersfield game. Sidenote I thought Broadhead looked better in the PL than the Championship at times.
People can correct me if wrong but I think the uproar around it is more linked to the now perceived lack of 'strong characters' and captain figures around the club and not necessarily his ability, albeit we are going to miss what he brings.
Understandable because we barely know half our squads first names. There are probably more characters in there than we think.
I think thats a pretty good summary. I wouldnt say he fell off a cliff by any stretch. Omari was more involved and it did feel like he would ultimately take his place as No. 10, but it was Broadhead who showed more inconsistency and was the one who dropped out a bit more.
I think the reaction is more about the connection between players and fans now. Chaplin was not only a popular player amongst fans, but played an important role in the community side of the club too. The club have done well to nurture the relationship between club and fans over the last few years, the continuity obviously helps when the club are successful. Chaplin was the most prominent one left (aside from Burns, who we may/may not see again).
Now its back to the summer of 2021 when a whole load of new players arrived and new relationships need to be built, which was of course where Chaplin arrived to start with.
0
Collective headless re: Chappers on 21:50 - Sep 2 with 682 views
Maybe there were other clubs interested. He’s Pompey through and through however so as he himself stated, there really was only one club he was willing to sign for.
0
Collective headless re: Chappers on 21:51 - Sep 2 with 679 views
Collective headless re: Chappers on 10:01 - Sep 2 by bsw72
Measure of progress by bsw722 Sep 8:46 I would hope everyone on this list is behind the club, apart from the obvious trollers, although school's back now :-).
Chaplin is a great discussion point and I think fans have a much more a more romantic view based on his prior contributions in the League 1 promotion rather than recent contributions and future potential this season. I do not think that Chaplin has had a significant impact on matches since mid season 23-24.
He was outstanding in 22-23 and carried that in 23-24 up to around mid December 23, scoring 9 and contributing 7 assists. From start of 22-23 to mid December 23 he scored 35 league goals in 67 matches, pretty much a goal every other game, plus 12 assists.
I remember that there was discussion on here about how Chaplin's form seemed to drop in the second half of the Championship season, luckily the impact of that drop was lessened by Omari developing and filling the gap (Omari scored 9 of his 10 goals from mid December), so impact was not felt.
Since the start of the year in 2024, Chaplin has scored 6 goals in 42 league matches (5 in 20 at Champ level and 1 in 22 at PL level) and 3 assists (2 in Champ and 1 in PL). He was hampered with a knee injury at start of this year which will have impacted, as will the step up in levels from League 1 to Champ to PL, but his level of impact and contribution to the team and results has without doubt dropped.
Now compare that contribution to some others, who are maybe not looked at so fondly because of price tag they came with and the fact they were not members of the double promotion team - obvs looking at the PL season only.
Szmodics - Played 20, 4 goals but no assists (Hampered by injury significantly)
J Clarke - Played 31, 4 assists but no goals.
Philogene - Played 10, 2 goals
I agree the above have not set the world on fire but everyone struggled last season, but what they contributed are on a par at least with Chaplin, however they are judged much more harshly.
If people are able to judge Chaplin without clouding the judgement based on contributions from 18 months ago, I think it is clear that moving on was probably best for both parties.
It also means that the likes of Szmodics, Philogene and Clarke (plus other new arrivals) now have to be used in the best way by McKenna, and deliver what is needed.
5 goalsl and 2 assists in half a season is pretty decent for a no. 10 in a team that spread the goals around. Whilst I wouldnt disagree that his output was less in the 2nd half of that season, and I dont think he was quite as effective, have to also consider that we had a better set of squad options to rotate in the 2nd half of the season (Sarmiento, Omari), whilst its reasonable that Chaplins role started to change as Omari developed more and wanted to play in similar areas (and Chaplin kept getting picked most weeks).
0
Collective headless re: Chappers on 22:45 - Sep 2 with 580 views
Rightly or wrongly (as we have to get there first) we seem to be planning for the Premier League and bringing in (supposedly) better players, or players who can improve. Chaplin is now 28 and he's not going to get any better.
Having said that, I was surprised to see him go yesterday especially as he played Saturday.
While its sad these players who brought as back to the good times are going, for progression, we need to let them go.
0
Collective headless re: Chappers on 07:12 - Sep 3 with 334 views
Our L1 top scorer. Our Champ joint-top scorer. 2nd most assists in 23/24 behind Davis. #1 for goals + assists in our best season in over two decades. Our 3rd highest rated player on the data sites behind Davis and Morsy that year.
We now feel we've upgraded in the hunt for PL-ready or PL-potential players, that's football, but there's little need for all this revisionism about how unimportant our crucial players were. His goals dried up in the last 7 games, some way off "half of the season", and he continued to play most of those minutes. Your description would suggest he became a peripheral figure, rather than the attacker McKenna turned to most and by a distance throughout 23/24.
0
Collective headless re: Chappers on 07:36 - Sep 3 with 275 views
Collective headless re: Chappers on 10:28 - Sep 2 by lazyblue
I’m of the same opinion, the last 18 months I don’t think he has done enough and we have better now however as a club person he has been outstanding so sorry to seem him go in that respect.
I'm of similar opinion just the fell of a cliff is unnecessary and much too harsh for me .
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