Oxford United midfielder Adam Chapman has joined Mansfield Town on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent move in the summer. The 23-year-old central midfielder will remain at the Conference side for the rest of the campaign, joining former Oxford teammates Matthew Green and now Assistant manager Adam Murray at Field Mill.

Chapman joined the Yellows back in January 2009 from Sheffield United, where he captained the Blades youth academy. He made 88 appearances in a yellow shirt since, scoring five goals. His splendid free-kick away to Burton Albion back in the Conference being my notable favourite.

Despite the former Northern Ireland Under-21 international playing 34 times this season, manager Chris Wilder has seen Chapman as surplus to his requirements with just ten league fixtures remaining. He enjoyed a short loan spell at Newport County last season after having only just been released from prison, making five appearances for the Exiles.

The Stags will be looking to secure a permanent deal for the midfielder despite him signing a new deal at the Kassam Stadium earlier this season. ‘Chappy’ will be fondly remembered after he was United’s Man of the Match in Oxford’s historic 3-1 Conference Play-Off Final victory over York City at Wembley back in May 2010.

Stags boss Paul Cox was delighted with his recent addition: “After losing Anthony Howell for a short period of time, it was important that we strengthened in the centre of midfield.

“We had various options, but when we learned Chappy was available, we were keen to bring him here.

“He’ll add a bit of everything to our midfield. He’s a strong player, with great technical ability.”