Premier League star turned pastor returns to UK

A former Gillingham and Premier League footballer turned pundit is to return to Kent - this time as interim pastor at a local church.

Gavin Peacock played for the Gills before going on to Bournemouth, Newcastle and Chelsea, before finishing his career at Charlton in 2002.

After spells as a pundit with BBC Sport, he headed to Canada to study theology and became pastor in 2012.

Now, Gavin is preparing for a year as pastor at Bethersden Baptist Church, near Ashford, which he said will allow him to get back to his roots.

"In 2006, my wife got an illness and was in hospital for a couple of weeks," he explained.

"That recalibrated my thinking and I thought about going into church leadership, and eventually gave up my media career.

"Being a pastor really is calling to me. I've played at Wembley in an FA Cup final but feel a stronger sense of responsibility when I'm giving a service to 30 people."

Gavin, now 57, has been a Christian since he was 18, and despite his change of career, is not stepping away from the world of football entirely.

"I actually did a 'faith and football' talk last Saturday, around 250 people came and [got] my autobiography, so for the next year, this is my life," he said.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.