Kevin Keegan

A world-renowned former footballer and manager turned television pundit

A world-renowned former footballer and manager turned television pundit, Kevin Keegan has enjoyed a stellar career at the highest level of the game. Sought-after by companies and institutions looking to tap into topics such as pressure, leadership and teamwork, he can provide a dynamic motivational or after dinner speech to entertain delegates.

In recent years, he has been called upon to speak at hundreds of events, speaking for audiences of AFC Bournemouth, The Royal College of Nursing, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Siemens, Hormann UK and many more. A massive success at black tie events, charitable occasions, gala dinners, as well as conferences, Kevin is a genuine and inspirational speaker capable of rousing crowds at all manner of engagements. Kevin's playing career saw him establish himself as one of the greatest talents in football. Having come through the youth team at Scunthorpe United, Kevin made 124 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals before moving to Bill Shankly's Liverpool FC in a £33,000 transfer in 1971, at the age of 20.

In his time at Liverpool, Kevin would quickly draw the media spotlight as many would state, he became the "first superstar English player". Shankly moved him upfront and he would become one of the club's most effective players. Developing an almost telepathic partnership with fellow striker, John Toshack, Kevin helped Liverpool to three First Division title wins, a European Cup and FA Cup win, as he scored 68 goals in 230 games for the club. Following his success with Liverpool, Kevin moved to Hamburg where he was named European Footballer of the Year in 1978 and 1979, becoming one of only six British players to have won the award and the only player to have won the award twice. Successful spells at Southampton and Newcastle United followed and he ended his club career with an impressive 592 appearances and 204 goals.

He would also become a key player for England over a decade between 1972 and 1982, scoring 21 times in 63 games. He was given the England captaincy in 1976 and held it until his retirement after the 1982 FIFA World Cup. When he hung up his boots, Kevin moved into management, taking the top job at Newcastle United. The team were languishing in bottom place in the Second Division when he replaced Ossie Ardiles in the 1991-92 season. He would keep The Magpies in the division and was offered significant funds for strengthening his side the following season. Bringing in Rob Lee and Andy Cole, his side won the second division, before turning Newcastle United into Premier League title challengers in the following years. Kevin would later have spells as England and Manchester City manager, as well as a second spell at Newcastle United.

Since retiring he has become ever present in the media, having worked as a football pundit for ESPN, ITV and BBC, including on live coverage of World Cup and FA Cup finals. A wonderful after dinner speaker and football pundit, who can captivate any audience with anecdotes and his incredible experiences as a player, manager and pundit, you can book Kevin Keegan as the after dinner speaker for your corporate event, function or conference today.