WHETHER Wayne Rooney heads for Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes is uncertain, but another leading light from Liverpool has beaten him to Chelsea already.
The Rector of Liverpool Rev Steven Brookes is leaving the city within weeks to start a new job as chaplain to the Chelsea Pensioners.
He will replace retiring chaplain Rev Dick Whittington once he gets to south London.
Steven Brookes is known here as vicar to the seafaring community, based at Liverpool Parish Church of Our Lady and St Nicholas, opposite the Pier Head.
Most recently he was involved in the Battle of the Atlantic Commemorations across Merseyside. His new job will take him to one of the world’s most famous places, the Royal Chelsea Hospital, home to hundreds of red-coated Chelsea Pensioners.
Steven Brookes was born in Warrington in 1960 and went to the the town’s Boteler Grammar School before heading off to Lancaster University.
Rev BrookesHe trained for the priesthood at Cuddesdon College and served two curacies in Liverpool at Old Swan and West Derby. He spent some years as a naval chaplain before returning to parochial ministry as Rector of Weybridge in Surrey. He was appointed Rector of Liverpool in 2003.
During his decade in Liverpool he has immersed himself in activities and causes, including offering his support for the waterfront cruise terminal. he has also taken an active part in the civic life of the city.
On Merseyside he is Chaplain to the Submariners Association and he is also President of the Artists Club, based not far from his church.
A spokeswoman at the Royal Chelsea Hospital said Rev Brookes would be taking over his new role in the very near future to enable Dick Whittington to hand over the reins.
