The story of Peter Knowles is unique. The gifted good-looking Wolves and England under-23 midfielder seemed to have the world at his talented feet. He was tipped to be the English George Best but sensationally quit football after becoming a Jehovah’s Witness. He was just a few days short of his 24th birthday.

Despite the pleas of his club, the players, friends, fans and family, Knowles would not change his mind and has always said it was the best thing he ever did.

In God’s Footballer, Steve Gordos, recalls the shock waves created by Knowles’s decision and traces the rise to fame of this son of a Yorkshire miner, who became an idol to fans, old and young, male and female.

The book details all the matches that Knowles played for Wolves and includes tributes and recollections from his team-mates and from fans. There are also team line-ups for each match of his first-team career.

In September 2009, it will be the 40th anniversary of Knowles’s final match for Wolves. Those who remember him as a gifted player whose best years were lost to the game and those who have only heard the story second hand will be fascinated to read about the young man who turned his back on football fame and fortune.