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Rev Peter Crumpler is a lifelong Bees supporter, a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts and a Beesotted contributor.

I’m thrilled at the Club’s new signing – and I’m hoping she won’t face any injury worries in the months ahead.

It’s Sarah Guinness, who has just been appointed as the Club’s new chaplain, succeeding Stuart Cashman, who died last November after seven years in the role.

Sarah will provide support to Brentford fans, staff and players, with her role involving giving pastoral and spiritual care to the club’s community, regardless of faith.

Many Premier League and EFL clubs have chaplains, with each performing a role determined by the Club.

As Sarah is a vicar, covering both St Paul’s and St Faith’s churches in Brentford, she brings with her many community links that will serve the Club well. She has been a local vicar for the past six years, so has much local knowledge.

Her words on taking up the voluntary position indicate her approach to the role. She said: “Brentford is a club with a long, proud history, deeply rooted in this part of west London. Supporters can trace their loyalty back through decades, with generations of a family coming to matches together.

“The club is a big part of our community identity, with many Bees fans in my congregation, so it’s a real privilege to take on this role. I’m here for all the supporters, staff and players, whether they have faith or not, to come alongside and provide a listening ear.”

Sarah is likely to become a familiar face around the GTech on matchdays, visiting the training ground, and meeting up with Club staff.

Sally Stephens, fan and community relations director at the club, has welcomed Sarah’s appointment, saying: “Sarah’s role as club chaplain provides a critical source of support for our Bees community, including players, staff and fans and we look forward to welcoming her to key club events as well as in her regular role at the training ground, office and stadium.”

The warmth shown towards Sarah’s predecessor Stuart Cashman, as he battled illness and sadly died, indicates what a key role a chaplain can be for a Club. He was described by the Club as “A great listener” who “had some remarkable conversations over a cup of coffee. He was a kind, caring and empathetic man who instantly put people at ease.”

This summer, when Aldershot Town FC chaplain Mike Pusey died, he was described by the Club as “a truly inspirational gentleman to so many” in a lengthy obituary published on their website.

I’ve been pleased to see the welcome for Sarah in postings on various supporters’ websites – and the comments about praying for the Club to win!

But the chaplain’s role goes well beyond what happens on the pitch, to embracing the whole Club community. 

I wish Sarah well in her new role, and – yes – I shall be praying for her.

Rev Peter CrumplerÂ