Delia Smith and her Chaplains interviewed by Sandie Keetch

Delia’s new Canaries duo are on the ball

Norwich City have signed up a new duo to their backroom team at Carrow Road to help players get ready for the important task of winning both on and off the pitch. Well-known Canaries director Delia Smith has brought two chaplains on board to provide a listening ear and spiritual support for all at the club.

For Delia, the idea behind the new appointments of chaplains Bert Cadmore and Arthur Bowles, came from her own Christian faith. It is the realisation of a long-held goal for the TV cook who has pioneered for a Christian input at the club to help players.

"I am very supportive of the players' spiritual part of life," says the famous club shareholder. "It is important for anyone, particularly young people. There is a lot of stress and it is vital that they get as much help and support as they can."

The new chaplains are on site at Carrow Road and at the Colney Road training ground and youth academy to support seasoned players, aspiring youngsters and other club personnel.

Chaplains are part of a growing breed that offer a pastoral net for players who are under mounting stress to outshine their rivals and who often have no career guarantee - sudden injury can curtail a player's future in an instant.

Aspiring teenagers at the Canaries Academy are often up-rooted from home to live locally with landladies. Lessons are coupled with relentless soccer schooling to hone their skills in a bid for First Division stardom. The hours are long and hard and disappointment is rife if youngsters fail to make the grade.

Chaplains are not there to win converts. Their unbiased role, forged with friendship and trust, demands a listening ear and a sensitive walk. "We need to be attuned to openings and timings as emotions can run high. We need to get alongside players and respect the lives they lead," said Arthur, who once had trials at Arsenal.

Former Northern Ireland international and Academy director, Sammy Morgan set the chaplaincy in motion after seeing the need. "Situations have arisen within the club over the past few years involving staff and players which would have benefited greatly from chaplaincy support. Having a structure where non-denominational pastoral support is constantly available is a great comfort," said Sammy.

Both priests know the score. They have climbed the rungs of the sporting ladder, taught youngsters physical education, qualified as referees and developed a pastoral heart during previous chaplaincy roles. They know the virtues of integrity, counsel and availability.

"Now we must learn the culture of the club and its foundations, workings and people," said Arthur who is on call to cover emergencies.

"The chaplaincy will grow as we develop relationships and walk alongside those we seek to befriend. It is serving the church and the sport with the unspoken gospel so we are approachable in all situations, not just in a crisis," said Bert.

"I have gained an incredible amount from my sporting days," said Arthur, "And now I want to give something back by getting alongside people and reflecting the light of Christ."