Former Lincoln City academy graduate Ellis Chapman has joined Derry City on a permanent deal from Shelbourne, giving the midfielder a shot at European football.
The 25-year-old has completed the switch to the Brandywell, with Derry snapping up Chapman ahead of their UEFA European transfer deadline for the first-round qualifying fixtures.
That means Chapman will be available for Derry’s Europa League qualifying tie against CSKA Sofia, with the Irish News also reporting that he has signed a long-term deal. He is one of three new arrivals at the club, alongside goalkeeper Tom Norcott, on loan from Reading, and centre-back Christy Grogan, who has joined from Stockport County.
Chapman is a familiar name with Lincoln fans, a second-generation Imp who followed in father Darren’s footsteps in coming through the Imps’ academy. Born in the city, he came through the age groups before a short spell with Leicester City, then returned to Sincil Bank as a teenager. His senior debut came in October 2017, aged just 16, during an EFL Trophy win against Everton Under-21s.
Chapman went on to make 31 appearances for the Imps in all competitions, featuring in both League Two and League One. He was still developing physically during his time around the first team, but there were flashes of the technical ability and calmness in possession that made him stand out at youth level.
Danny Cowley clearly rated him highly, and there was even a tongue-in-cheek suggestion after the FA Cup tie with Everton that then-Toffees boss Marco Silva could take him for a couple of million. Even so, Chapman’s route into regular football at Lincoln was never straightforward, and he left permanently for Cheltenham Town in October 2020.
That move brought him more regular senior football, and he was part of the Cheltenham squad that won the League Two title in 2021. A later loan spell at Oldham Athletic also proved productive, with Chapman scoring three times from midfield.
His career took him to Ireland in 2024, first with Sligo Rovers. He made a strong impact there, scoring nine goals and registering four assists in 34 appearances, before moving to Shelbourne ahead of the 2025 season. He played 37 league games during his time at Tolka Park, but has now moved on again.
Derry are currently trying to strengthen during a difficult spell, with manager Tiernan Lynch under pressure after a 4-2 home defeat to Waterford this weekend.
One that got away … we did not see the best of him in an Imps shirt … we perhaps made short term decisions … playing loan players ahead of him … when they were no better … and had far less potential …. still a young player … not the first to be starved of enough first team football when it was vital for his long term development ? .. afraid we have done this with players in all positions … Appleton was one of the worst offers ?