The Northern Irishman spent two brief spells in the Wolves hot seat and his two sons, Campbell and Cavan, also played for the club.
Previously a player for the likes of Portsmouth and Mansfield Town, Chapman was part of Northern Ireland’s 1958 World Cup squad and was a goal scorer for Northern Ireland B in 1957.
Chapman then stepped into the world of scouting at Molineux, before being promoted to the managerial seat, initially in a caretaker capacity at the start of 1985/86 season.
Then, following Bill McGarry’s brief return, Chapman found himself back in charge, this time permanently from November until the end of a disappointing Division Three campaign.
Despite the club’s relegation to the bottom tier of the English Football League system, Chapman remained a popular personality at Molineux, given his warm personality.
Aided by his scouting past, Chapman also held an uncanny ability to spot a talent and was responsible for the signing of the highly successful Andy Mutch for just £5,000 from Southport.
Furthermore, Chapman brought Micky Holmes, Jon Purdie, Neil Edwards and John Morrissey to the club, before being succeeded by Brian Little in August 1986.
Following his Wolves departure, Chapman returned to scouting with Leicester City, before coaching at Broadbridge Health FC in West Sussex, then returned to Wolverhampton to live in Wombourne.
The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Sammy’s family and friends at this sad time.
