“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.