Richard Gamble was appointed Leicester City Club Chaplain in June 2009. He is also a Pastor at the Living Rock Church based at Stoney Stanton in Leicestershire. Here in an exclusive interview for the Foxes Trust, which will appear over a series of articles during the summer, Rich gives members an insight into his first 12 months as Chaplain of Leicester City.
Rich – you are a life-long Leicester City fan, as well as being a Church Pastor. It must feel like you’ve been living a dream since being appointed Club Chaplain. Can you tell us how your appointment first came about ?
I went to the end of season game at Stoke two seasons ago, where City were relegated from the Championship and slipped into the third tier of English football for the very first time in the Club’s history. In a chance meeting in the concourse after the game, I met the then Club Chaplain, Bruce Nadin, for the first time.
As a Christian, I am supposed to be in control of my emotions. However, when I arrived home after the match I was absolutely gutted , having just witnessed my team being relegated, so I decided to pray to God. He spoke really clearly to me and said that I had been given my passion for a specific purpose. Just 2 days later, I received an email from Bruce saying that Leicester City were looking to appoint a new Club Chaplain. As I read the email, I felt from God that the role was for me…and the rest is history……..
How often do you visit the Club ? How much of your time does the role of Club Chaplain take up each week ?
I visit at least once a week as well as on matchdays, be that the First Team or The Academy. On occasions, I take services at the Remembrance Garden. On average, I spend 2 days each week on Chaplaincy duties.
What do you see as being the most important aspects of your role as Club Chaplain ?
Building relationships with Players, Management, Staff and their families, so that should there be occasions where they need help and support, they know that they have someone to turn to. Of course not everyone does, but I find it a great privilege helping anyone on God’s behalf whether it be in good times or hard times.
What is the most difficult part of your job ?
Probably breaking down people’s perceptions. Some perceive anyone from the clergy as being stayed, boring, irrelevant and judgemental. I’d like to think I’m not any of those but its often difficult to overcome that in short snatched conversations. Those who get to know me realise I come from an often ‘colourful’ background, so I’d be the last person to point the finger. I believe Jesus would be the same.
And the most rewarding ?
Knowing that I have helped someone and made a difference to their lives.
You have been Club Chaplain for 12 months now. In general, how do you feel you have been accepted during that time by Players, Management and Staff at Leicester City ?
I was given a really warm welcome by everyone at the Club from Day One. On my first day, The Birch greeted me by saying ‘ Welcome to the Leicester City Family.’ I feel privileged and honoured to be accepted as part of that family. My life was made easier for me by my predecessor, Bruce Nadin, who did an excellent job as Club Chaplain. All levels of the Club have welcomed me in and have given me their time, without exception.
Look out for part two in the series which will include how becoming Chaplain has affected the attitiude of Rich while watching games and his views of playing on Sundays