NEW CHAPLAIN APPOINTED TO LEAGUE

A new groundhopper will be a regular visitor to our grounds.

But the Very Rev Lee Batson will also be bringing some pastoral care to those who need it, after being appointed as the new chaplain for the Ebac Northern League.

Lee is the Dean of Newcastle, based at Newcastle’s Anglican Cathedral, and moved to Tyneside from Essex last October.  He needed no conversion to non-league football – he was a regular spectator at Southern League, Isthmian League and Eastern Counties League matches and has been going to grassroots football for more than 20 years.

He’s already been to games at Heaton Stannington, West Allotment Celtic, Whitley Bay and Seaham Red Star, along with matches at Blyth Spartans, Gateshead and Morpeth.

He’s hoping to get to as many clubs as possible.

Lee said: “Initially I’ll be doing it for a year and then review it at the end of next season, but there’s a connection between the church and non-league football: both have people with a great sense of community

“I love non-league grounds – I find them fascinating – they all have their own character.

“I’ll be there if people want to chat to someone who shares their interest, particularly if they’ve got a problem they want to talk about with someone who’s not directly involved with their club, but people needn’t worry – I’m not going to be trying to convert everyone!”

Lee has been a Minister for 20 years and, as dean he’s in overall charge of the work at Newcastle Cathedral and its future direction.  “We try and engage with communities as well as we can and I hope to reach out to communities across the region rather than just the city centre.”

League chairman Glenn Youngman said:  “We’re delighted that Lee has agreed to join the league as our chaplain.

“It’s an added bonus that he’s been a fan of grassroots football for so long and I’m sure he’ll be made to feel very welcome at our clubs.”