Chaplow heads Stateside
Former Burnley midfielder Richard Chaplow, who opted to leave Doncaster Rovers at the end of last season, has signed for Orange County Blues who play in the United Soccer League (USL) in America.
Chappy’s left Burnley in January 2005 for West Brom and he’s since played for Southampton, Preston, Millwall and Ipswich before spending last season at Doncaster , but having played over 300 league games in England, he’s opted to move to the States at the age of 31.
The Blues are managed by Oliver Wyss from Switzerland and his assistant is Barry Venison, the former Sunderland, Liverpool and Newcastle defender.
Having completed the signing, Chaplow said: “I can’t wait to get going. After speaking to Oliver and Barry and hearing the passion and vision they have for the club I’m really excited about the future and the direction the club is heading. I’m here to contribute in any way possible as the OC Blues go from strength to strength.”
Wyss added: “To sign a player of Richard’s ability and profile demonstrates the intensions we have as an organization to compete with the best in the USL. I firmly believe Richard will not only be a great signing for the OC Blues FC but also have a significant impact on the USL as a whole. We are delighted Richard decided to join us, despite having many offers on the table.”
The signing went through on Friday and yesterday he made his debut, coming on as a substitute ten minutes into the second half of their 2-0 win against LA Galaxy II.
Richard made his Burnley debut in a 2-0 defeat at Norwich in April 2003, coming on as a substitute for Gordon Armstrong who himself had come on as a sub. He went on to play 74 games for Burnley, scoring seven goals, before moving to West Brom in January 2005 for £1.5 million. His last game for the Clarets was in the 2-0 FA Cup win against Bournemouth when the opposition lined up with a midfield four of Wade Elliott, John Spicer, Brian Stock and Garreth O’Connor.
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