As posted on Aston Villa FC website.
Reverend Jon Grant has been appointed as interim Club Chaplain following the resignation of Reverend Philip Nott.
Reverend Nott left his position as Vicar of Aston recently to return to his hometown of Bristol.
Reverend Jon Grant takes up the interim role with the club to continue to connect the 900-year-old church with the club, whilst a permanent successor to the Parish of Aston is appointed.
During the course of his three years with the club, Reverend Nott undertook a number of duties including supporting the Aston Villa Foundation with their work in the community, leading the annual ‘Celebration of Life’ service at Villa Park, providing spiritual support for staff and supporters, and recently presiding over the funeral of former Chairman Sir Doug Ellis OBE.
Revered Grant has been a Villa fan for 40 years and a season ticket holder for the last nine years.
He is an Associate Pastor at Bethel Church in Oldbury, as well as the CEO of a charity called Krunch, who work with vulnerable children and young people in Sandwell, Birmingham and Dudley providing positive activities and mentoring support.
Upon his appointment, Reverend Grant said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have been asked as a villa fan to pick up this role and I very much look forward to building on the excellent work that Philip did in his three years in the position.”
New Club Chaplain Reverend Grant’s first duty will be to lead the now annual Christmas Carol Service prior to the game against Southampton this Saturday 21st December. The event will see the church and Aston and Nechells Foodbank also accepting donations to be distributed to local families, with proceedings starting at 1pm at Aston Parish Church.