Gary Chapman, arriving from Notts County, was one of Alan Ball’s first signings in 1991 and played just over twenty league games before briefly appearing for Torquay United. He later had a lengthier spell with Darlington ahead of a coaching career.  

Starting with Frickley Athletic, Gary signed for Bradford City in August 1988 but only made five league appearances before his transfer to Notts County in September 1989. Used mainly as a substitute, Gary also had a loan spell with Mansfield Town before signing for Exeter City for a fee of £15,000 in September 1991.

One of several players brought to the club shortly after Alan Ball was appointed manager, Gary made his Grecians debut at Huddersfield Town on 7 September 1991 and featured regularly (including scoring twice against Bury) until losing his place in January 1992. Transfer-listed in the summer of 1992, Gary had a trial period at Scarborough in November 1992 prior to moving to Torquay United in February 1993.

Appearing in just eight games whilst at Plainmoor, Gary agreed terms with Darlington in August 1993 where he enjoyed the most productive period of his professional career scoring nine times in 74 league outings for the Quakers.

Returning to non-league football with Emley in 1995/96, Gary was later on the coaching staffs at Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers working with academy-aged players. He subsequently became a player development coach with Valerenga in Norway.