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Richard Chaplow
Richard Chaplow
Richard Chaplow
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Richard David Chaplow (born 2 February 1985) is an English professional football coach and former player who was most recently the head coach of USL Championship side Orange County SC.

Key Information

Chaplow was a product of the Burnley academy and made his professional debut for the club in April 2003. He joined West Bromwich Albion in 2005. In 2006, Chaplow joined Southampton on loan. He moved to Preston North End in 2008 and had another loan spell with Southampton in 2010 before joining the club permanently a year later. In 2013, Chaplow initially joined Millwall on loan before joining the club permanently. He had a loan spell with Ipswich Town in 2015 before moving to Doncaster Rovers. Chaplow joined Orange County SC in July 2016. He represented his country at youth levels.

In August 2021, Chaplow was named interim head coach of Orange County SC before becoming the permanent head coach in November 2021. He was dismissed from this role in May 2023.

Club career

[edit]

Burnley

[edit]

Chaplow joined Burnley at the age of eight,[2] before earning a scholarship at the club in 2001 as part of the YTS Apprenticeships, turning down offers from Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City.[3][4]

In 2002–03, part of his season in the reserves was blighted by glandular fever, although he returned to action in January.[5][6] After being included as an unused substitute against Preston North End on 8 April 2003, Chaplow made his Burnley debut, coming on as a second-half substitute, in 2–0 loss against Norwich City four days later on 12 April 2003.[7][8] Chaplow then made his first start and played the whole game despite losing, 2–0, against Nottingham Forest on 21 April 2003.[9] He went on to make five appearances for the side in the 2002–03 season.

However, ahead of the 2003–04 season, Chaplow suffered from alopecia during 2003, returning to pre-season training having lost all his hair.[6][10] Despite this, Chaplow continued to a handful of first-team appearances at the start of the season, playing in the midfielder position, and scored his first goal for the club on 30 August 2003, in a 1–0 win over Crewe Alexandra.[11][12] As a result, Chaplow signed his first professional contract with the club.[13] By the rest of 2003, Chaplow scored two more goals, which came against Cardiff City and Reading.[14][15] Chaplow's performance throughout December earned him PFA First Division Player of the Month award.[16] Later in the 2003–04 season, Chaplow scored two more goals, which came against Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest.[17][18] Despite missing out through suspension and fitness concerns, Chaplow went on to make thirty–nine appearances and scoring five times in all competitions.[19][20][21] At the end of the 2003–04 season, Chaplow signed a contract with the club, keeping him until 2006.[22]

Ahead of the 2004–05 season, Chaplow was subject of a transfer move throughout the summer, with Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United.[23][24] Despite this, Chaplow ended the transfer speculation when he signed a four–year contract, keeping him until 2008.[25] Throughout September, Chaplow scored two goals in five appearances against Crewe Alexandra and Cardiff City.[26][27] However, Chaplow was soon sidelined for several months with a cartilage trouble, which he sustained and substituted in the first half, in a 3–0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on 30 October 2004.[28] After a month out, he made his first team return from injury on 18 December 2004, coming on as a second-half substitute, in a 2–1 loss against Sunderland.[29] In the January transfer window, Chaplow was linked with a move to Premier League side West Brom Albion and had a bid rejected from Burnley shortly after.[30] Amid the transfer speculation, Chaplow's performance against Liverpool in the third round of FA Cup was well-received, with Manager Steve Cotterill praising his performance, which saw Burnley beating them, 1–0.[31] A week later, West Brom Albion made another bid for Chaplow, which was accepted soon after.[32]

West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

Chaplow joined West Bromwich Albion for a fee of £1.5 million on transfer deadline day in January 2005.[33] The Baggies had previously attempted to force the deal through several times during the transfer window. He moved to The Hawthorns on a 3+1⁄2-year deal, with the option of a further season.[34]

Chaplow made his Albion debut in a 4–1 victory over Charlton Athletic at The Valley on 19 March 2005. He won a penalty soon after coming on as a late substitute, enabling Robert Earnshaw to complete his hat-trick from the spot.[35] He would later make four appearances in the 2004–05 season in his first half season at the club.

However, in the 2005–06 season, Chaplow struggled to dispatch the first team place in midfield, with Riccardo Scimeca, Steve Watson and Diomansy Kamara preferred instead and made two appearances at the start of the season.[36] first goals for West Brom came in an FA Cup 3rd round replay at Reading on 17 January 2006. His two first-half goals gave Albion a 2–0 lead, but they eventually lost 3–2 in extra-time.[37] In February 2006, Chaplow signed a three-month loan deal with Championship side Southampton, as part of the deal which saw Nigel Quashie move the other way.[38] Chaplow made his full debut for the side two days later after signing for the club despite losing 2–0 against Reading.[39] On his ninth appearance, he scored his only Saints goal at Brighton & Hove Albion on 8 April 2006, which saw Southampton win 2–0.[40] Two weeks later, Chaplow returned to his parent club after suffering a knee injury.[41]

Upon his return from the loan, Manager Bryan Robson was impressed with his performance and expected use him in the 2006–07 season.[42] Chaplow's first appearance of the season came on 8 August 2006, where he came on as a second-half substitute, in a 1–1 against Cardiff City.[43] He then scored his first league goal for West Bromwich Albion, in a 2–1 defeat at Derby County.[44] However, his appearances in the first team was marred by substitute bench and injuries.[45][46] Soon, under the new management of Tony Mowbray, Chaplow managed to regain his first team place for the rest of the season, eventually making thirty–five appearances and scoring once in all competitions.[47]

At the start of the 2007–08 season, Chaplow continued to be in the first team regular, but was plagued with a foot injury and find his first team opportunities limited, with good forms from Robert Koren and Filipe Teixeira.[48] As a result, Chaplow was linked a move away from the club, with his former club, Burnley keen on re-signing him.[49] But this was denied by Manager Owen Coyle.[50] After the announcement of his departure was made, Chaplow left West Brom in 2008 after spending three years at the club.

Preston North End

[edit]

On 9 January 2008, Chaplow signed for Championship team Preston North End on a three-year contract for £800,000 with a further £550,000 payable based on various performance-related criteria. West Bromwich Albion also inserted a 20% sell-on clause on any future sale.[51]

Three days after signing for the club, Chaplow made his Preston North End debut, making his first start and played for 75 minutes, in a 1–0 win over Watford.[52] Chaplow then scored his first goals for the club on 26 February 2008, in a 2–0 win over Stoke City.[53] However, during the match, he suffered an injury in the second half and was substituted, leaving him out of action for weeks.[54] After returning to the first team from injury, Chaplow then scored his first goal for the club on 19 April 2008, in a 2–2 draw against Plymouth Argyle.[55] He went on to make thirteen appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.

At the start of 2008–09 season, Chaplow started well when he scored two goals against Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday in four league appearances by August.[56][57] However, throughout September and October, Chaplow was plagued by injuries.[58][59] He returned to the first team, where he came on as a second-half substitute, setting up one of the goals, in a 2–2 draw against Norwich City on 8 November 2008.[60] Two weeks later, on 22 November 2008, Chaplow scored again, in a 2–1 win over Barnsley.[61] However, as the 2008–09 season progressed, he continued to have a handful of first team appearance despite suffering injuries.[62][63] Despite this, Chaplow went on to make twenty–seven appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.

In the 2009–10 season, Chaplow continued to be a first team regular and then scored his first goal of the season on 26 September 2009, in a 2–1 win over Leicester City.[64] His second goal then came on 12 December 2009, in a 2–0 win over Plymouth Argyle.[65] As the 2009–10 season progressed, Chaplow remained in the first team despite suffering injuries and suspension.[66][67] As a result, his appearances was restricted to thirty–five times and scoring two times in all competitions.

With the club facing financial troubles, Chaplow was among eight players to place on a transfer list by Manager Darren Ferguson.[68] In the summer, he was linked a move to newly Premier League promoted side Blackpool.[69]

Southampton

[edit]

Having made no appearances for Preston North End in the 2010–11 season, Chaplow joined Southampton once again for an initial one month's loan on 30 September 2010.[70] This was then extended to the end of December.[71]

Three days later after signing for the club, Chaplow made his Southampton debut for the second time, coming on as a second-half substitute and subsequently picked up a yellow card, in a 2–0 win over AFC Bournemouth.[72] Chaplow then scored his first Southampton goal since 2006, in a 4–1 victory over Peterborough United on 20 November 2010.[73] After suffering an achilles injury that kept him out for weeks, he scored on his return in another 4–1 victory, this time over Huddersfield Town on 28 December 2010.[74] On 30 December 2010, it was announced Chaplow had agreed a 2+1⁄2-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[75] Weeks after signing for the club on a permanent basis, Chaplow scored again on 11 January 2011, in a 6–0 win over Oldham Athletic.[76] He then scored, as well as, setting up one of the goals, in a 4–4 draw against Peterborough United on 5 February 2011.[77] During the match, Chaplow was fouled in the penalty box, giving Southampton a penalty, leading the opposition manager Darren Ferguson accusing him of diving.[78] Later in the 2010–11 season, Chaplow helped the club secure promotion to The Championship after a two years absence, as he made thirty–five appearances and scoring five times in all competitions.

In the 2011–12 season, Chaplow started off his season with a good start when he scored, as well as, setting up two goals, in a 3–1 win over Torquay United in the first round of the League Cup.[79] However, three days later, he was sent–off, in a match against Barnsley after a straight red card, just coming on as a substitute in the 70th minute, which saw Saints 1–0.[80] After serving a three match suspension, Chaplow then scored on 16 September 2011, in a 4–1 win over Birmingham City.[81][82] By the end of 2011, Chaplow scored two more goals against Peterborough United and Coventry City.[83][84] However, in a match against Bristol City on 26 November 2011, Chaplow suffered a knee injury early in the first half and was substituted, in a 2–0 loss and was subsequently out for months.[85] Despite making his return, Chaplow continued to be dropped from the first team on three occasions and saw Southampton promoted to the Premier League after a seven years absence.[86][87] As a result, his appearance was restricted to twenty–eight appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.

With his first team opportunities increasingly limited in the 2012–13 season, Chaplow announced his intention to stay at the club.[88] It wasn't until on 28 August 2012 when he made his first appearance of the season, setting up one of the goals, in a 4–1 win over Stevenage in the second round of League Cup.[89] On 29 September 2012, Chaplow made his first Premier League appearance in six years, coming on as a late substitute, in a 3–1 loss against Everton.[90] For most of the season, Chaplow fell out of favour of the club's first team and was expected to leave the club in January, but it wasn't materialised.[91] It wasn't until on 16 January 2013 when he made his first team return in months, coming on a second-half substitute, in a 2–2 draw against Chelsea.[92]

On 11 July 2013, Southampton Football Club agreed to terminate Chaplow's contract.[93]

Millwall

[edit]

On 15 March 2013, Chaplow joined Championship side Millwall on loan until the end of the season.[94] He made his debut the following day, in a 2–0 victory at local rivals, Charlton Athletic, in which he set up one of the goals.[95] Chaplow also set up one of the goals again in the next game on 29 March 2013, which saw Millwall beat Leicester City 1–0.[96] His loan period was cut short following an injury sustained in the 1–1 draw with Birmingham City on 6 April.[97]

On 15 July 2013, Chaplow signed a two-year deal with Millwall following his release by Southampton.[98] Upon joining the club, he was given a number eighteen shirt for the new season.[99] Chaplow's first game after signing for the club on a permanent basis came in the opening game of the season, in a 1–0 loss against Yeovil Town.[100] By the end of August, Chaplow set up two goals in two matches against Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton & Hove Albion.[101][102] It wasn't until on 1 January 2014 when he scored his first goal for Millwall, in a 3–1 loss against Leicester City.[103] Although he finished the season, making twenty–one appearances and scoring once in all competitions, Chaplow's season was marred by injuries.[104][105][106][107]

However, at the start of the 2014–15 season, Chaplow was sidelined for months, due to a hamstring problems.[108] It wasn't until on 16 September 2014 when he made his return from injury, making his first start, in a 3–2 loss against Reading.[109] Following his return, Chaplow began to play as a right–back position in numerous occasion.[110] After making three appearances in the 2014–15 season, Chaplow was released by the club.[111]

Ipswich Town

[edit]

On 20 February 2015, Chaplow signed on loan for a month at Ipswich Town, with an agreement that he could stay until the end of the season.[112][113]

Chaplow made his Ipswich Town debut four days later, where he came on as a second-half substitute, in a 4–2 win over Birmingham City.[114] On 21 March he scored his first goal for the club, the winner in a 1–0 victory at Watford in the 94th minute.[115] After finishing the season, making six appearances and scoring once, Chaplow returned to his parent following his loan spell came to an end.[116]

Doncaster Rovers

[edit]

On 6 July 2015, Chaplow signed for Doncaster Rovers, signing a two–year contract.[117] Upon joining the club, he said joining the club motivated him to do well for the remaining two years there and was given a number eight shirt ahead of a new season.[118][119]

Chaplow made his Doncaster Rovers debut, in the opening game of the season, where he made his first start for the club before being substituted in the 82nd minute, in a 1–1 draw against Bury.[120] Chaplow then scored, as well as, setting up one of the goals, in a 2–1 win over Barnsley on 3 October 2015.[121] Weeks later, he sidelined for months and it wasn't until on 19 December 2015, where he returned since being absent in October as a late substitute, in a 3–3 draw against Burton Albion.[122][123] He then scored his second goal for the club on 27 February 2016, in a 1–1 draw against his former club, Millwall.[124] However, in the next match against Swindon Town on 1 March 2016, he was sent–off after a second bookable offence, in a 2–0 loss.[125]

However, throughout most of the season, injuries and suspensions restricted him to making thirty appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.[126][127][128] At the end of the 2015–16 season, Chaplow had his relegation clauses in their contracts activated, as a result of Doncaster Rovers relegation.[129] However, Chaplow's contract was terminated by the club.[130]

Orange County SC

[edit]

On 29 July 2016, Chaplow signed with United Soccer League side Orange County Blues.[131]

Two days after signing for the club, Chaplow made his Orange County Blues debut, coming on as a second-half substitute, in a 2–0 win over LA Galaxy II.[132] Chaplow scored his first goal for the club in the next game on 4 August 2016, in a 2–1 win over Tulsa Roughnecks.[133] Weeks later, on 21 August 2016, he scored his second goal for the club, in a 2–0 win over LA Galaxy II.[134] After serving a two match suspension, Chaplow returned to the first team and then on 25 September 2016 against Colorado Springs Switchbacks, he set up two goals, in a 4–0 win.[135] In the remainder of the season, Chaplow went on to make ten appearances.[136]

Robbie Rogers incident

[edit]

On 21 August 2016, following a 2–0 victory over LA Galaxy II, gay Galaxy player Robbie Rogers wrote on his Facebook page that: "In the heat of the last fifteen minutes of the game a player from the opposing team called me a 'queer' repeatedly".[137] After a league investigation, Chaplow was suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount.[138][139] Following the league's findings, Chaplow denied accusations that he had used homophobic language, claiming: "I have been banned for swearing at a player, not homophobic slurs. At no point in the statement is a homophobic slur made reference to, and the simple reason for this is it didn't happen.".[140]

International career

[edit]

Chaplow has represented England internationally at a number of age groups including at under-19 level, as well as at under-20 level.[141]

On 22 January 2004, Chaplow was called up by England under-19 for the first time.[142] Chaplow made his only England U19 appearance on 30 March 2004, in a 1–1 draw against Germany U19.[143]

Chaplow has also made one appearance for England under-21s.[144] He became Burnley's first ever England under-21 international in February 2004, when he came off the bench on his debut against the Netherlands at the KC Stadium.[145][2]

After being in training for the England U20 side in August 2004, Chaplow was called up by the side for the first time on 11 October 2004.[146][147] Chaplow then scored his first England U20 goal, in a friendly match against Netherlands U20 side.[148] In October 2005 he captained the England under-20 side to a 2–2 draw with the Netherlands, in a match played at his former club Burnley's Turf Moor ground.[149]

Coaching career

[edit]

In August 2021, after three seasons as an assistant coach with Orange County SC, Chaplow was named interim head coach of the club.[150]

On 9 November 2021, Orange County removed the interim tag and made Chaplow the permanent head coach.[151] Chaplow would lead OCSC to finish second in the Pacific Division, and advance to the USL Championship Final defeating Tampa Bay Rowdies at home, 3–1 in regulation.[152]

Chaplow was dismissed on 1 May 2023 after picking up just six points from the opening eight matches of the season.[153]

Personal life

[edit]

Growing up, Chaplow attended Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School[4] and supported Burnley.[154] Like Chaplow, his family are also Burnley supporters.[155]

Chaplow is married to Emily Chaplow and the couple has two sons. In 2013, Chaplow suffered a tragedy when they lost a baby boy.[156]

Career statistics

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Burnley 2002–03[157] First Division 5 0 0 0 0 0 — 5 0
2003–04[158] First Division 39 5 3 0 2 0 — 44 5
2004–05[159] Championship 21 2 2 0 2 0 — 25 2
Total 65 7 5 0 4 0 — 74 7
West Bromwich Albion 2004–05[159] Premier League 4 0 — — — 4 0
2005–06[160] Premier League 7 0 1 2 3 0 — 11 2
2006–07[161] Championship 28 1 4 0 3 0 1[a] 0 36 1
2007–08[162] Championship 5 0 0 0 2 0 — 7 0
Total 44 1 5 2 8 0 1 0 58 3
Southampton (loan) 2005–06[160] Championship 11 1 — — — 11 1
Preston North End 2007–08[162] Championship 12 3 1 0 — — 13 3
2008–09[163] Championship 25 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 27 3
2009–10[164] Championship 31 2 2 0 2 0 — 35 2
Total 68 8 4 0 3 0 0 0 75 8
Southampton 2010–11[165] League One 33 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 35 5
2011–12[166] Championship 25 3 1 0 2 1 — 28 4
2012–13[167] Premier League 3 0 0 0 3 0 — 6 0
Total 61 7 3 1 5 1 0 0 69 9
Millwall (loan) 2012–13[167] Championship 4 0 — — — 4 0
Millwall 2013–14[168] Championship 19 1 1 0 1 0 — 21 1
2014–15[169] Championship 7 0 2 0 1 0 — 10 0
Total 30 1 3 0 2 0 — 35 1
Ipswich Town (loan) 2014–15[169] Championship 6 1 — — — 6 1
Doncaster Rovers 2015–16[170] League One 16 1 1 0 1 0 1[b] 0 19 1
Orange County SC 2016 USL 8 2 0 0 — 2[c] 0 10 2
2017 20 0 2 0 — — 22 0
2018 21 2 1 0 — 3[c] 0 25 2
Total 49 4 3 0 0 0 5 0 57 4
Career total 350 31 24 3 23 1 7 0 404 35
  1. ^ Appearance in Championship play-offs
  2. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ a b Appearances in USL Playoffs

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Southampton

Orange County SC

Individual

Manager

[edit]

Orange County SC

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Richard Chaplow

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Richard Chaplow (born 2 February 1985) is an English retired professional footballer who played as a central , accumulating over 400 career appearances across England's top divisions and the , with notable stints at West Bromwich Albion in the and Southampton in the , alongside caps for the England U21 national team. After hanging up his boots in December 2018 as captain of , where he had led the team to a first-place finish in the USL Championship's Western Conference that year, Chaplow joined the club's coaching staff as an assistant before being appointed interim in mid-2021 and permanent in November 2021. He managed Orange County through the 2022 and early 2023 seasons, overseeing 63 matches with a record of 22 wins, before departing in April 2023.

Early life and youth career

Family background and entry into football

Richard Chaplow was born on 2 February 1985 in , , , to a working-class family. His family supported Football Club, with Chaplow attending home and away matches alongside his father from a young age. Chaplow's entry into organised football occurred early in childhood when he joined the Burnley youth academy at age eight in 1993. He progressed through the club's junior ranks, initially featuring in the under-11 squad before earning a youth scholarship. This pathway marked the beginning of his professional development, rooted in local Lancashire football culture and familial encouragement for the Clarets.

Academy development at Burnley

Chaplow joined Burnley's youth setup at the age of seven, entering the club's school of excellence where he regularly played with players two years his senior, demonstrating early talent that outpaced his age group. By age 14, amid interest from Rovers and City, he committed to Burnley by signing (YTS) terms, prioritizing his boyhood club despite external overtures. He left formal education around age 15 or 16 to focus on football full-time, a decision supported by academy coach Terry Pashley after family discussions, forgoing further schooling in favor of professional development. In summer 2001, Chaplow earned a youth scholarship alongside peers including Sean Blakey and Steven Richardson, marking his transition to structured academy training at Gawthorpe. He quickly impressed in youth team matches, though initial criticism from Pashley highlighted areas for improvement in his midfield play; by his second season, he stood out consistently, contributing alongside experienced youth like Blakey. His reserve team debut came as a late substitute away to Wanderers, where his performances began drawing attention from first-team staff. A glandular fever in early 2002 disrupted progress, leaving him sidelined and initially rusty upon return in January, but he regained form by spring, scoring his first goal for the club against Crewe Alexandra and adding notable strikes versus Reading and Ipswich Town. These displays earned a third-year extension and, ultimately, a full professional contract, as consistent first-team cameos—starting with a substitute appearance at Norwich City on 2002—affirmed his breakthrough while still nominally a youth player. By the 2003–04 season, despite remaining on youth terms, Chaplow featured regularly in midfield for the senior side under manager , totaling over 70 appearances by age 19 and establishing himself as one of Burnley's most promising academy graduates.

Playing career

Burnley

Chaplow progressed from Burnley's youth academy to the first team, signing a professional contract in 2003 at age 18. He made his senior debut as a substitute on 12 April 2003 in a 2–1 away defeat to Norwich City in the First Division. In the 2003–04 season, Chaplow became a regular under manager Stan Ternent, appearing in 39 league matches and scoring 5 goals, including a winning goal in a 1–0 home victory over Crewe Alexandra on 30 August 2003. His form earned him a call-up to the England U21 team in 2004, making him the first Burnley player to represent the side at that level, with his debut in a match against the Netherlands. The following season, Chaplow contributed 21 league appearances and 2 goals, notably a late 88th-minute winner in a 1–0 home win against Cardiff City on 28 September 2004. Across all competitions from to 2005, he recorded 74 appearances and 7 goals for . In December 2004, Chaplow transferred to West Bromwich Albion for a club-record outgoing fee of £1.5 million, surpassing 's previous mark set weeks earlier.

West Bromwich Albion

Chaplow transferred to West Bromwich Albion from on 31 January 2005 for a fee of £1.5 million, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. At the time, West Brom were competing in the , where Chaplow, aged 19, featured sparingly in the latter stages of the 2004–05 season, making 3 substitute appearances without scoring. In the 2005–06 campaign, Chaplow received more opportunities under manager , accumulating 7 appearances (4 starts and 3 substitute outings) as West Brom suffered relegation to the ; he failed to score in league play but contributed in cup competitions, including scoring his first goals for the club in an third-round replay victory over Reading on 14 January 2006. Limited starts persisted into the early 2006–07 season, prompting a loan move to in February 2006, where he played 11 matches and scored once before returning. Chaplow remained with West Brom through the 2007–08 season but saw reduced involvement amid competition in midfield, totaling 25 league starts and 19 substitute appearances across his tenure, with 1 league goal. Overall, he recorded 58 appearances and 3 goals in all competitions during his 3-year stint at the club. His permanent departure came on 9 January 2008, when West Brom sold him to Preston North End for £1.2 million.

Preston North End

Chaplow transferred to Preston North End from West Bromwich Albion on 9 January 2008, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract for an initial fee of £800,000, with potential add-ons up to £1.35 million based on performance clauses. He made his debut for the club three days later in a match against Sheffield United on 12 January 2008. During the remainder of the 2007–08 season, he featured in 12 league appearances, scoring 3 goals. Over the subsequent seasons, Chaplow established himself as a regular in midfield, contributing to Preston's competitive campaigns in the , including a playoff push in 2008–09. He scored notable goals, such as in a 2–2 draw against Plymouth Argyle on 19 April 2008 and against Leicester City in 2009. In total, he made 75 appearances across all competitions for Preston, scoring 8 goals, primarily in league play. Chaplow's tenure ended amid limited involvement in the early 2010–11 season, with no appearances before his departure. On 30 September 2010, he joined on a one-month loan, which was extended and converted to a permanent transfer on 30 December 2010 for an undisclosed fee. Reports indicated tensions with manager contributed to his exit.

Southampton

Chaplow joined on a one-month from Preston North End on 30 September 2010, marking his second spell at the club after a brief from West Bromwich Albion in 2006 during which he made 11 league appearances and scored once. The 2010 was extended, and he signed permanently on 1 January 2011 for an undisclosed fee estimated at around £50,000. In the 2010–11 season, Chaplow featured regularly in midfield, contributing to 's push towards the play-offs. Over his full tenure from 2010 to 2013, he made 72 league appearances (55 starts and 17 as substitute), scoring 8 goals, alongside 8 cup appearances with 2 goals, for a total of 10 goals in 80 matches across all competitions. During the 2011–12 campaign under manager , Chaplow provided drive and forward surges from midfield, playing a supportive role in the team's automatic promotion to the after finishing second with 88 points from 46 matches. Chaplow's involvement diminished in the season, limited to three substitute appearances amid increased competition and tactical shifts. In March 2013, he was loaned to , where he appeared in 10 matches. Southampton mutually terminated his contract in early July 2013, allowing a free transfer to on a two-year deal.

Millwall

Chaplow joined on a loan from on 15 March 2013, with the deal set to run until the end of the 2012–13 season. He made four appearances for the club during this period, including his debut in a 2–0 home win the following day. His time on loan was cut short by an ankle injury suffered in a 1–1 draw against Birmingham City on 6 April 2013, which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. After Southampton released him that summer, Chaplow signed a two-year permanent contract with Millwall on a free transfer, subject to passing a medical, which he completed on 17 July 2013. He expressed enthusiasm for the move, stating on social media his delight at becoming a Millwall player and anticipation for returning to regular action. In the subsequent 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, Chaplow featured in 31 Championship matches for Millwall, scoring one goal, primarily operating as a midfielder. Chaplow departed Millwall in February 2015, transferring to Ipswich Town midway through the 2014–15 season. Across his full tenure at the club, including the initial loan, he recorded 35 appearances and one goal.

Ipswich Town

Chaplow joined Ipswich Town on a one-month loan from on 20 February 2015, with an option to extend until the end of the 2014–15 season. He made his debut four days later as a second-half substitute in a 4–2 home win over Birmingham City on 24 February 2015. On 21 March 2015, Chaplow scored his only goal for the club, a stoppage-time winner in a 2–1 victory against at , securing three vital points in Ipswich's promotion push. Following this performance, his loan was extended until the end of the season on 26 March 2015. In total, Chaplow made six league appearances for Ipswich, accumulating 213 minutes of playtime and contributing one goal with no assists. He featured in the final match of his loan spell against Huddersfield Town on 2 May 2015. Upon the loan's expiration, Chaplow returned to , whose contract with him had also ended, making him a .

Doncaster Rovers

Chaplow signed a two-year contract with Rovers on a free transfer from Ipswich Town on 6 July 2015, joining the club ahead of the 2015–16 League One season as an experienced central to bolster the squad's midfield options. He was allocated squad number 8 and quickly integrated into the team under manager , making his debut in the first round against Ipswich Town on 11 August 2015, where he played 75 minutes before being substituted. During the 2015–16 season, Chaplow featured in 30 league matches for Doncaster, scoring 2 goals, primarily operating in central midfield and occasionally as a defensive midfielder. His contributions included a goal in a 2–1 home win against Burton Albion on 19 April 2016, during a run of form that helped Doncaster secure 21st place and avoid relegation to League Two by a five-point margin. Despite the modest goal tally, his experience from higher divisions—having previously won promotion with Southampton in the Championship—was valued for providing stability in a squad that endured a challenging campaign with 18 losses in 46 league games. Chaplow's tenure ended after one season when he departed on 1 2016, transferring to in the as a , with his release reflecting the club's squad overhaul following survival. In total, he made 34 appearances across all competitions for Rovers, with no assists recorded in league play, underscoring a defensive-oriented role amid limited attacking output.

Orange County SC

Chaplow signed with of the on July 29, 2016, marking his move to American professional soccer after leaving . Two days later, he made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 2–0 victory against LA Galaxy II on July 31, 2016. The club rebranded as ahead of the 2017 season, during which Chaplow was appointed team captain within a month of arriving. Over two full seasons with the club, Chaplow appeared in 57 matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists while accumulating 3,688 minutes played. His contributions included leadership in midfield, drawing on prior experience from clubs like and West Bromwich Albion. In 2016, limited to 8 regular-season games due to his mid-season arrival, he recorded 2 goals and 2 assists. Chaplow announced his retirement on October 2, 2018, at age 33, after reaching his 400th appearance during the 2018 USL Championship season with . The decision followed a career hampered by injuries in , with the move to Orange County allowing family relocation and a final playing stint before transitioning to coaching roles within the same organization.

International career

England youth teams

Chaplow represented England at youth international level, earning caps for the under-19, under-20, and under-21 teams between 2004 and 2005. In January 2004, at age 18, he received his first senior youth call-up to the under-19 squad for a friendly against the the following month. He subsequently featured as a in the under-19 team's 2-1 defeat to on 30 March 2004. Chaplow was later called up to the under-20 squad, alongside Burnley teammate , for fixtures in late 2004. He captained the under-20 side during this period. By early 2005, initially considered for under-19 duties, Chaplow transitioned to the under-21 level and debuted for the team, becoming the first Burnley player to achieve this milestone.

Coaching career

Transition to coaching at Orange County SC

Following his retirement from professional playing in October 2018 after concluding the USL season with , Chaplow transitioned directly into a coaching role with the same club. On January 16, 2019, announced his appointment as an assistant coach under head coach Braeden Cloutier, marking his entry into the technical staff after three seasons as a player with the team (2016–2018). Chaplow expressed enthusiasm for remaining involved with the organization, stating that the club had become a significant part of his life and that he aimed to contribute to its continued growth and player development in his new capacity. This move allowed him to leverage his experience as a veteran midfielder—who had amassed over 300 professional appearances across England's top divisions and the USL—into mentoring younger players and supporting tactical preparations. He served in the assistant role for the subsequent three seasons (2019–2021), focusing on on-field training and match analysis within the USL Championship framework.

Head coaching tenure and achievements

Chaplow was appointed interim of on August 18, 2021, following the dismissal of Braeden Cloutier. Under his interim leadership, the team initially recorded a 3-3-2 mark but then embarked on a nine-game across the regular season's final matches and , securing the Western Conference title with a 1-0 victory over on November 21, 2021. This run culminated in 's first , achieved via a 3-1 win over the in the final on December 1, 2021, with goals from Ronaldo Damus (two) and Mikko Kuningas. Chaplow thus became the first in club history to deliver a league title. On November 9, 2021, Chaplow was promoted to permanent ahead of the 2022 season. In 2022, Orange County SC finished with a club-low 34 points from 7 wins, earning no playoff berth. The 2023 campaign began poorly, with the team posting a 2-5-3 record in its final 10 games under Chaplow before his dismissal on May 1, 2023, amid issues including blown leads, injuries, and a demanding schedule. Across his full tenure, encompassing 14 interim games (2.07 points per match) and 49 permanent matches (1.12 points per match), Chaplow managed 63 total fixtures, yielding 22 wins, 18 draws, and 23 losses. His primary achievement remained the 2021 title, with no further postseason success or individual coaching awards recorded.

Departure and subsequent activities

On May 1, 2023, announced it had parted ways with Chaplow as head coach after eight league matches into the , during which the team recorded only one win and sat near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The club praised Chaplow's long-term contributions since joining as a player in 2016 and transitioning to coaching, but cited the need for a change amid poor results. Assistant coach Morten Karlsen was appointed interim head coach following the dismissal. Since his departure, Chaplow has not taken up another professional coaching position. Professional soccer databases and player-manager tracking sites list him as without a club as of late 2025, with no reported involvement in senior team management or roles. His public profiles emphasize family life and past career highlights rather than new professional endeavors.

Controversies

Robbie Rogers incident

During a United Soccer League match on August 20, 2016, between Orange County Blues FC and LA Galaxy II, , an openly gay player for , alleged that opposing midfielder Richard Chaplow directed homophobic slurs at him during play. Rogers publicly detailed the incident on his page, stating he had endured anti-gay abuse from Chaplow. Chaplow denied using any homophobic language, admitting only to swearing at Rogers in the heat of competition but insisting it was not targeted at Rogers' ; he reportedly apologized to Rogers immediately after the game. Orange County Blues FC conducted its own review and supported Chaplow's account, cooperating with the league's investigation. On August 24, 2016, the USL suspended Chaplow for two matches and fined him an undisclosed amount, citing his use of "offensive and abusive language" toward Rogers, with the league emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for such conduct. The punishment drew criticism from some observers for being lenient given the allegations of homophobia. No further appeals or additional sanctions were reported.

Personal life

Family and residence

Richard Chaplow is married to Emily Chaplow. The couple has two sons, (born circa 2008) and Milo (born circa 2010). In May 2013, while Chaplow was on loan at from , the couple experienced the of their third child, a son named Teddy; they publicly thanked supporters for condolences amid the tragedy. Since signing with in December 2017, Chaplow and his family relocated from to the , settling in , for career and lifestyle reasons including the region's climate. As of 2020, they continued to reside there while Chaplow transitioned into coaching with the club in nearby Irvine.

Post-retirement interests

Following his retirement from professional playing in December 2018, Chaplow has maintained an interest in , reading, and , practices introduced to him by a mentor during his time at that aided his emotional recovery from the 2013 loss of his third child, . These pursuits reflect a broader emphasis on personal growth and mental resilience amid family challenges. Chaplow remains a lifelong supporter of , his boyhood club, regularly following matches and results despite residing in the United States. This allegiance stems from childhood memories in and family traditions, sustaining his connection to English football post-career.

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Chaplow's professional club career encompassed clubs from 2001 to 2016, followed by a stint in the with until his retirement in 2018. His statistics across all competitions are detailed in the table below.
ClubAppearancesGoals
747
West Bromwich Albion583
Preston North End758
8010
351
Rovers302
Town (loan)61
574
These figures represent totals in league matches, domestic cups, and other competitions. The totals align with official records for his three seasons there.

Honours

As player

Chaplow received the PFA First Division Player of the Month award for December 2003 during his time at , recognizing his contributions of three goals and strong performances in the second tier. No major team trophies were won during his club career, which spanned clubs including , West Bromwich Albion, Preston North End, , , Ipswich Town, Doncaster Rovers, and .

As manager

Chaplow began his managerial career with in the , initially serving as interim head coach on August 18, 2021, following the dismissal of Braeden Cloutier. Under his interim leadership that season, the team improved its performance in the latter half of the campaign, securing a playoff spot after a mid-season slump. On November 9, 2021, Chaplow was appointed permanent on a multi-year contract, becoming the seventh in club history. In the 2022 season, his team finished sixth in the Western Conference with a record contributing to forward winning the Golden Boot for 22 goals, the first such individual award in club history. Orange County SC advanced to the conference semifinals in the playoffs but was eliminated. Over his full tenure, Chaplow managed 63 matches, recording 22 wins and 23 losses, often deploying a 4-3-3 formation. Chaplow's time as head coach ended on May 1, 2023, when Orange County SC parted ways with him after a poor start to the season, having earned only eight points from eight games. Assistant coach Morten Karlsen was promoted as interim replacement, with the club citing a need for a change in direction. His average stood at approximately 1.12 across 49 competitive matches as permanent manager.

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