Sir Bobby Charlton reckons that if John Charles were playing today, his transfer value would be £70 million; and in a poll of Italian football fans, they voted him the greatest foreign player ever to play in their league, ahead of Maradona and Platini. He was equally adept as a centre forward or a centre half and often Juventus would play him up front until he scored and then move him back into defence to protect the lead. Whether playing for Leeds United, Wales or Juventus, he fully earned his nickname of "The Gentle Giant", never once being booked or sent off in a 15-year career, and always being the epitome of sportsmanship. "King John" recalls not just a vanished era of football, but also highlights what happens to our heroes once they have left the spotlight.

Richard Sharpe, bold, professional and ruthless, goes to war. Once a private, now he leads his men into action in the bloodiest battle of the war. The danger is as great from his enemies on his own side as from those across the battlefield. But through treachery and gunsmoke, through swordfight and bloody warfare, Sharpe saves his own life and the honour of the regiment. Richard attempts to steal an imperial eagle at the battle of Talevera, to settle and old score and keep a promise.