ADAM Chapman admits lots of clubs wouldn’t touch him with a barge pole but insists he’ll work double time to repay the faith shown in him by Newport County.

Manager Justin Edinburgh swooped to sign the Oxford United man this week, ending an 18-month pursuit of a player who previously was on loan at Spytty Park.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder will now get to light up Rodney Parade for potentially the next three years, but admits he’ll always have to work harder to gain acceptance at a new club.

The recent new father has had to grow up quickly, not least because of a stretch in a young offenders’ institute for causing death by dangerous driving, an offence he served 14 months for between 2010 and 2011.

“The gaffer has massive faith in me, he judges a player as a player,” he said.

“But I’ve said before that I wouldn’t criticise a manager for not signing a player who has a past like mine.

“It’s great Justin doesn’t look at that, he is only interested on what I can do on the pitch and what I’ll bring to the dressing room.

“I’ll never forget my past or be free of it, but I know I am joining up with a management team who will help me if I need help, they are very approachable.”

Chapman admits he chose Newport over Mansfield, who were also keen on him.

“I picked Newport over Mansfield because of the manager, he was a massive part of it,” he said. “I loved my time here before and would have happily stayed longer, it was just that Oxford called me back.

“I really enjoyed working with all the management team, Jimmy Dack and Wayne Hatswell as well.

“I am thrilled ‘Hats’ has come back into things because that makes me feel a lot more comfortable as well.

“We stayed in contact, the manager and I, and he’s always full of support and advice.

“Once Newport went up and I spoke to the manager my mind was made up this would be the best move for me.

“They have made amazing progress, the club has come on leaps and bounds, with the ground move as well, the proof is there.”

Chapman is hoping the move to Newport brings closure to what happened to him and will be a significant step for his family.

“I will be moving down with my girlfriend,” he said.

“We are looking at houses, we’ve got a young baby and it’s a big move for us all.

“We want to settle and put down roots and with the length of the contract I’m able to do that. A fresh start on and off the field will do me and the family good.

“It’s nice being based near your home but me and my girlfriend decided it’d be good for the family to move down and make a clean break.”