Chapple howling with Wolves

It has been a memorable year so far for South Coast Wolves defender Sam Chapple.
The rising defender has found himself as the team’s first choice left-back after a season ending injury to Chris Price
“I’ve certainly enjoyed it a lot so far this season, I’ve had more fun with the guys and I feel we are starting to click a bit as a team on the pitch. I think we are likely to turn things around soon and hopefully that begins soon.”
Slotting into the role vacated by Price was not an easy undertaking but Chapple admits.
“I’m pretty comfortable at left-back and I’m happy I can fill that void. Last season we needed to switch Jack Keating over to that side so with the opportunity I now have I am hoping to slot in there and make a good go of it and obviously try to hold on to it for as long as possible.”
Unfair to compare Price and Chapple, the role does dictate helping out the attack with the overlapping wing play so is this something the youngster is encouraged to take up.
“I’ve got free reign to get forward but for me it’s my defensive duties that come first. I have been given the freedom to attack but it depends on the context of the game.
“I haven’t found the back of the net yet,” he continued.
“But if the chance comes my way I would be very happy to give it a good go and hopefully claim one.
“I’ve got inside the box a couple of times but I suppose I’m more of a player who trusts the strikers to tuck it away so if I am in a scoring position I will obviously have a go but if they are looking better off I will play them in.
“I don’t get forward for dead ball situations as my position is to stay back defending but occasionally I get forward and overlap down the left and get a little higher up the pitch.”
South Coast have been unlucky in  a couple of games this year with send-offs and decisions but this has not dimmed morale.
“We have been unlucky with a couple of silly decision made at the back that has cost us and puts pressure on the boys and we are looking to eliminate those mistakes from our game.
“Once we do that we will ease the pressure going forward and then be able to release the front line better and hopefully pick up the points.
“I think we have the squad here to be able to climb the table, certainly the talent at the club and if we can put a few results together on the trot then you should see us rising up the ladder and from there we just have to see where we finish.”
Sam Chapple may be young in years but has no worries when it comes to clear thinking and understanding of the game nor the importance he places on the team structure.
If the Wolves can keep Chapple, Keating, captain Jake Timpano and Mike Robinson together they possess a formidable back line, something that will take some breaking down.
-By Micky Brock