A Greater Glory

What a fabulous book! A must–read for all – not just football fans. I loved working with Gavin as his manager at Chelsea and I’ve always said he was in my top 3 players I ever signed as a manager. His talent has shone through again in this wonderful book. A beautiful insight to Gavin’s life and an inspiration to all. Loved it!

-- Glenn Hoddle (Former England and Chelsea Manager)

The story of a not so ordinary man who gave it up for more, a fascinating read from start to finish … a real insight to life as a player and to life as a Christian and what it means. An honest, sincere, and real thought provoking book … you can only admire him for giving up all he had, and wanting more … which Gavin will tell you he has found.

-- Robbie Fowler (Former Liverpool & England International Footballer, Manager of Brisbane Roar)

Gavin’s story includes playing for some of the top managers in football including Harry Redknapp, Kevin Keegan, Ossie Ardiles and Glenn Hoddle. I played against Gavin a number of times and he was an outstanding professional but perhaps more importantly, he was also a man of very good character.

-- David Moyes (West Ham United Manager)

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 ((1945–2023) 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)

This story is a one off! Be prepared for an insight into the workings of some of the top football managers in England. Also be prepared for some thought provoking, straight forward opinions on society today. I thoroughly recommend this read.

-- Alan Curbishley (Former Charlton Athletic & West Ham United Manager)

This book is a very well written and fascinating account of a professional footballer’s family’s life, with a great insight into how the industry works, its ups and downs, pressures and triumphs and disappointments. But for myself this book is about life itself, including religion, beliefs, the sacrifices you have to make to be or to do what you might want out of life itself. Making vital decisions under pressure that not only affect you but your whole family. About living your life at whatever level you are at, and making decisions along the road as best you can for yourself and the people you love. What’s important in life for the individual is so different and complex! I thoroughly recommend this book!!

-- Gerry Francis (Former Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur Manager)

… what I appreciated most in this book was a priceless wisdom that has enabled him to navigate life. So how do you work out relationships, disappointment, disability, parenting, marriage, career? In chapter after chapter I just loved the paragraphs that explained how he was thinking and anchored in Jesus Christ when he was confronted by life’s complexity. There was gold in chapter after chapter. A riveting read that I thoroughly recommend to all.

-- Rico Tice (Evangelist; Co–founder of Christianity Explored Ministries)

Gavin’s story is varied, gripping and moving. I’ve never before read such an evocative description of how it actually feels to score a goal at the top level. Nor have I read a more spine tingling account of what it feels like to step up to the pulpit and preach. Football feels like a matter of life and death to some of us, but the gospel truly is … and Gavin gives us a pitch–side seat as we experience the wonder of both.

-- Tim Farron (MP, Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats)

Such a thought provoking read … It was a real pleasure to spend time with Gavin in the dressing room all those years ago.

-- Les Ferdinand (QPR Director of Football and Former England, QPR, Spurs and Newcastle United striker)

A fascinating read about an alternative lifestyle path for a footballer. Gavin puts as much passion and focus into his life, as he did into his performances as a player. A great man on and off the pitch.

-- Pete Graves

Pastor Gavin Peacock has written a must–read book. He takes readers on a fun, insightful and nostalgic journey through his life. This book ‘A Greater Glory’ spoke to me personally. Reading through every page gave me more enlightenment as to how blessed I am to be alive in Christ doing the things I love to do. This book has all the elements of life in it and I would recommend it in a heartbeat.

-- Jonathan Mensah

A pacey book filled with passion and purpose, the principles of the man and the power in his message shines through!

-- Kriss Akabusi OBE

Unlike any footballer’s autobiography you’ve ever read. Honest, intelligent and sincere. Rather like the man himself….

-- Tom Watt

Gavin Peacock is a unique guy who takes sport seriously and faith even more seriously. I’ve loved getting to know him over the past few years as he has great stories and yet still manages to inspire deeper more passionate faith. I’d recommend this book to anyone. Even if you don’t share his faith. And even if you don’t support Chelsea!

-- Keith Getty

A fascinating insight into how one man coped with the vicissitudes of life in the world of football and beyond. From professional footballer to pundit to preacher is quite some journey. No Damascene moments, just a gradual and growing awareness of the power of faith, which is now central to his life. Despite being an agnostic I found his writing both moving and inspirational. A very good read.

-- Guillem Balague

The world is struggling with identity but the way Gavin articulates this in his book is truly inspirational. A man with purpose and destiny – who unashamedly has a love for his faith.

-- Michael Johnson

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

What a phenomenal read! Gavin’s life story (so far!) surely resonates with many, many people. A proud family man, a never–say–die attitude as a professional footballer and BBC presenter. Not forgetting of course, the assuredness in his mind, body and soul of his ultimate goal!

-- Alex McLeish

A special man’s goal of finding his Holy Trinity, through a fascinating, thought–provoking journey of football, family and faith. A story for our time and all times.

-- Mark Saggers

Gavin was a superb footballer, but more importantly a wonderful guy. His life story will be one of the football best ever reads for sure.

-- Harry Harris

This is about as far as you could possibly get from your ‘traditional’ footballer’s auto–biography. Given the almost unprecedented journey upon which he has embarked, it is both essential and fascinating to learn what shaped Gavin, from his family to his career in football to his faith.

-- John Dykes

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

To be successful in one career takes talent and determination. To do so in three careers is something else. Gavin Peacock’s life story is unique. His autobiography is fascinating. 

-- Lance Hardy

Reading Gavin’s fascinating memoirs sent me down memory lane to our talks & discussions on nights before away matches. A Greater Glory simply confirms the impression that I got of a curious, self–reflecting, helpful, yet ambitious gentleman. At a time when so many people get lost in the superficial world of social media, this book will provide simple tools for anyone to find purpose in life.

-- Jakob Kjeldbjerg

I love reading biographies and autobiographies. Sporting and Political. I have read so many from Alex Ferguson to Andre Agassi, Margaret Thatcher to Tony Benn. But Gavin Peacock’s ‘A Greater Glory’ is one of the best I have ever read. It is superbly written, interesting, funny, littered with great anecdotes and thought provoking. An all–round brilliant read.

-- Alun Eben