Bishop hands over his football-themed Jesus story to Forest manager

Nottingham Forest manager, Colin Calderwood, received some hot ‘spiritual’ training tips from the Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Revd Tony Porter, on Friday (September 12th 2008) when he handed over his new book at the end of a training session. (see photo attached)

The new book - a football-themed reworking of the Jesus story, called ‘Super Jack’ - is a warm-hearted tale with some local flavour including a mention of the Meadows and Ruddington.

Bishop Tony, who was chaplain to Manchester City Football Club, before coming to Nottingham, said: “Until I discovered Christianity as a 20 year old, it never crossed my mind that religion and sport could work alongside each other but they can. I first got involved in football when I moved to work in Manchester and youth a coach at United called Joe Brown – Holy Joe as he was known locally – asked me to speak to some of his players. There were a lot of barriers that needed to be broken down at the time but it just developed from Joe’s initial approach. It’s something I really enjoy and I regard myself as fortunate to have become good friends with many people in football, like Stuart Pearce, who was manager at City when I moved.”

The new book has been endorsed by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, who wrote: “Bishop Tony’s creative flair really shines with this entertaining but challenging football-themed reworking of the Jesus story. I’m sure it will appeal to young soccer fans and help youth workers to communicate the gospel message.”

Former England player and English football manager, Joe Royle, has also backed the new book. He said: “I read the book on a flight to London, and smiled all the way. A must for any Christian Soccer fan from football’s no.1 Pastor Super Jack can play for me anytime!”

The new book is available from the Minster Shop in Southwell, priced £2.50 or copies can be order from Jenny Andrews tel 01636 817227 email: jenny@southwell.anglican.org

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