Premier league footballer turned pastor Gavin Peacock tells the story of his career and his faith in this fascinating, thought–provoking and personal read.
‘There is more to life than football, fame and fortune. There is a greater joy and a greater glory to be had.’
What makes a man walk away from his life as a professional footballer turned BBC pundit to become a church minister?
They say it is every schoolboy’s dream to play in the F.A. Cup Final and it’s a dream that came true for Gavin Peacock. In his riveting autobiography follow Gavin’s journey from a child growing up in a footballing family to Chelsea captain; from a son following in his father’s footsteps to a husband and father supporting his own family; from pundit to preacher.
Experience his highs and lows as he tells his story and explains the driving force behind it all – his love for football, his love for his family, and most importantly his love for God.
Author
Gavin is husband to Amanda and father to Jake and Ava. He is associate pastor at Calvary Grace Church of Calgary, and the Director of International Outreach for CBMW. He played football professionally for Chelsea, QPR and Newcastle Utd and was a pundit on BBC Match of the Day.
"This book is compelling, candid and clear. For those who love the beautiful game there is much here that will fascinate and inform you about what is involved in becoming and being a professional footballer. For those who are Christians there is much here to do the same and whole lot more. Is it possible to be a professional footballer and a committed Christian? What is involved in making it to the top of the professional game as a Christian? What is there after the final whistle and your career is over? All of this and more is addressed by Gavin Peacock in this book. Written with pathos, Gavin’s humble assessment of himself and generous evaluation of others in the football world coupled with his growing conviction about the most important things in life will cause you to laugh, cry and think. I believe no one will read this book without benefit, I am delighted to commend it to you." - Robert Briggs, Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Sacramento, CA; President of Reformed Baptist Seminary, Sacramento, CA and Chaplain of Sacramento Republic FC
"Obviously, I know Gavin from our time we played together at Newcastle and our Charlton links but this really is one of the most interesting and fascinating autobiographies I have read in a long time. A successful footballer to BBC pundit to Christian Pastor! Not many players have had such a diverse and fulfilling life." - Rob Lee, Fomer Newcastle United & England International Footballer
"I’ve enjoyed knowing Gavin both as a footballer and co–commentator over many years. I’m full of admiration for him and the way he lives out his faith. I’m thrilled to see him thrive as a pastor in Canada and look forward to the release of his autobiography." - John Motson, Television and Radio Football Commentator
"As a pastor who would have loved to be a footballer I really enjoyed this book about a footballer who loves being a pastor. A terrific story of someone who has spent his life heading towards the goal to receive a prize that doesn’t tarnish with time." - Alistair Begg, Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Beeke, Joel R. & Benge, Dustin W. (eds.)
Spring, Gardiner