A popular chaplain and one of the longest servants at Bristol Rovers FC is leaving his job.
Dave Jeal who has worked with the club in a pastoral role for 13 years is moving on to a new career chapter in his life.
The Lockleaze resident has been a Rovers fan all his life, and whilst leaving with a ‘heavy heart’, is fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
He has dreamed of being in the military all his life and at 52 has fulfilled his dream by joining the Royal Navy as a vicar.
Dave Jeal is a familiar face at the Memorial Stadium but he has also had one of the most remarkable journeys.
A former football hooligan, he was banned from the club twice in the 1980s for violent behaviour.
It was in an incident in Stockholm in Sweden at the European Championships in 1992 that his life changed.
Witnessing horrific violence, he felt a calling from a higher power - from that day dedicated his life to Christ.
His story is documented in a book on his life called ‘Heart of a Hooligan.’ Jeal would later become ordained as a church minister in 1998.
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When he was offered a job at Bristol Rovers he was shocked.
He recalls a conversation with the late owner Geoff Dunford where he said: "You do know I have loads of stuff on my CRB police check and have been banned from here twice?” to which Geoff replied “Yeah of course, that’s exactly why I want you here. To show the power of real change."
Dave has gone to hold the role for 13 years, looking after players, staff, and even supporters, he has been a supportive ear to everyone.
He leaves with a heavy heart.
He said: "I am really sad. In some ways gutted. It’s been such a big part of my life. To be inside the club it’s been a privilege. But I am not fully leaving, as I will always be a fan."
Despite being a chaplain, he chooses not to sit in the comfort of the stand or a hospitality box but can be seen standing on the terraces at the Memorial Stadium. Usually next to the Uplands end, often with his old mates, he can be witnessed shouting and singing loudly.
Anyone that has ever met Dave will speak of his authenticity. Shaven headed, with a strong Bristolian accent, and a steely look - he isn’t your average man of the cloth.
Still a fit man he trains every Thursday with the team and says he will miss that part.
He added: “I love knocking balls about with them, that part’s great.
"Not that am any good, but I love it.
"Being around the first team players, I will definitely miss that.”
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In his new role in the Royal Navy he will no doubt need to be fit.
He is soon to start a 12-week training camp in Dartmoor and will eventually be re-locating to Scotland for the first two years of service.
At the age of 52 this is no mean feat, and he won’t necessarily be away from any action.
He said: "I am training with people the same age as my kids, it’s mad.
"I could be sent anywhere around the world if there is any conflict.
"So, despite my age, ultimately, I am the same as any soldier really, only I won’t have a gun."
Joining the military has always been a lifelong ambition for Dave.
He added: "The interesting thing is as a navy chaplain, I am the same rank as whoever I am talking to.
"Whether that’s a ship’s captain or an admiral I don’t need to salute."
Dave’s training involves intensive gruelling 12 km runs, lots of strength and conditioning, and some mental tests.
He explains about a helicopter challenge: "So I am strapped in a helicopter in water and they tilt it upside and you have to escape.
“The third time it was in the dark. Its nuts. I don’t really like water and swimming to be honest."
He said: "As a Christian, I have to give thanks and praise to God. There is no way I could have done any of this on my own, it’s truly amazing."
The final day at the Rovers training ground was an emotional one as everyone came to say goodbye.
Dave paid tribute to Rovers and said: "I really want to thank the club. They have been so supportive, from my start right to the end. It’s been brilliant.”
“But a new chapter begins, and am excited, And I still have family in the city, so whenever am back I will always try and catch a game at the Mem."
