GOALKEEPER Aaron Chapman has left Accrington Stanley and joined their League One rivals Peterborough United on a two-year contract.

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony announced the deal on Twitter saying: "Delighted to announce the @SkyBetLeagueTwo Golden Gloves winner & League title winner Aaron Chapman joins @theposhofficial on July 1st on a 2 year contract."

Chapman was out of contract at the Wham Stadium but had been offered new terms by the Reds following a stellar season.

The 27-year-old kept 18 clean sheets to win the League Two Golden Glove award and help Stanley win the title and secure promotion to the third tier. 

He joins a side that finished ninth in League One last season and on arriving in the East Midlands said: "When I heard Peterborough were interested, I jumped at the chance.

"The size of the club, the ambition, it was something that I wanted to be part of.

"The manager Steve Evans made me feel very welcome and wanted and I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates. I know Conor O’Malley has done really well and I am looking forward to working with him.

“I love football, I have had a little break and to be honest, I am already ready to get back and get started. It is good to get the deal done so early and I can’t wait to help Peterborough with their ambition of getting into the Championship.

“Last season was great with Accrington Stanley. I don’t think many people outside of the club expected us to get promoted, but within the squad and the management team, we felt we had a really good opportunity and it was fantastic to do it in the way that we did. We deserved that promotion."

Chapman has signed a deal until 2020 with Peterborough and his new boss Evans is pleased with his capture.

“He is 6ft 7in, he has a real presence, makes big saves and his distribution is excellent," said Evans.

"He will fight with Conor O’Malley for the number one jersey. It is important that we have two permanent goalkeepers.

"I made it clear to the board when I arrived that I didn’t want a loan goalkeeper, I wanted a permanent one to compete with Conor and this is an excellent signing for us."

Chapman played 50 times in all competitions for Accrington last season and has made 70 appearances for the club since joining in 2016.

His departure leaves the Reds with just one senior keeper, Jonny Maxted, who joined from non-league side Guiseley in January. 

It is now an area the Reds chief John Coleman is expected to strengthen over the summer.