St Mirren have completed the signing of 25‑year‑old Australian goalkeeper Jacob Chapman from Huddersfield Town, sealing a two‑year deal with an optional third year. The move, announced on 9 July 2026, is designed to give the club a reliable number one as they sit 10th in the Premiership with 30 points, a record of 7 wins, 9 draws and 17 losses from 33 games.
Why did St Mirren target Chapman?
Craig McLeish explained on the club website that after three seasons of loaning out keepers, the club needed a long‑term solution. “We wanted someone at a good age with development still ahead,” he said. Chapman fits that profile: he arrived in England at 18, made 28 first‑team appearances for Huddersfield, and kept nine clean sheets in 20 games while on loan at Crawley Town last season.
What does Chapman bring to the squad?
The Australian is praised for his all‑round ability. McLeish highlighted his shot‑stopping, comfort on the ball and role in building play from the back. Chapman has already been involved in Australia’s senior training camps, and the club hopes to help him earn a full cap. Sporting director Chris Markham added that regular first‑team football was essential for a 25‑year‑old, something Huddersfield could not guarantee.
How will he fit into the team’s current challenges?
St Mirren have conceded 48 goals this season while scoring 27, leaving them with a –21 goal difference and 40 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian. Adding a dependable goalkeeper could tighten the defence and improve their recent form of win‑draw‑draw‑loss‑win. Chapman’s experience across several English clubs, including loan spells at Ossett United, Gateshead, Salford City and Rochdale, gives him a varied background to adapt quickly.
What does the future look like for Chapman at Love Street?
Chapman expressed excitement about joining a club that lifted the Scottish League Cup last season. “The league’s great and St Mirren’s obviously a very good club,” he said. He expects to compete for the starting spot and help the team climb the table. With an option for a third year, both player and club have room to grow together, aiming for a stronger defensive record and perhaps a push toward European qualification.
Current season snapshot
St Mirren sit 10th in the Premiership with 30 points from 33 games, having won seven, drawn nine and lost 17. They have scored 27 goals and let in 48, leaving them 40 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian. Chapman’s arrival arrives at a crucial juncture as the club looks to improve its goal‑difference and climb the table.
