Gary McAllister

A former footballer who had significant success with the likes of Liverpool, Leicester City, Leeds United and Coventry City as well as international level with Scotland, Gary McAllister was a leader on the pitch and off it. Today, he serves as the Assistant Manager at Rangers. A talented midfield player, whose ability as much as his mental toughness allowed him to progress to the pinnacle of the game. Helping both his national team and domestic sides to retain their league status and perform at the highest level possible, he was awarded an MBE in 2001 for his contribution to football. He was also inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame. Since leaving the game, McAllister has been widely sought after on the after dinner speaking circuit, where stories of his involvement in Leeds United's title-winning team, Liverpool's treble winners, Scotland's pursuit of major tournament qualification and Coventry's relegation scraps, are well-received.

Having experienced playing at the highest level of football, McAllister is able to expertly discuss maximising success in the game, in addition to themes such as peak performance and leadership. This makes him perfect as a motivational speaker for schools, charities and corporations looking to touch on the merits of teamwork, desire and determination. McAllister spent 23 years as a player, after graduating the Motherwell academy in 1981. He made 59 appearances for his hometown club before catching the eye of Leicester City. He became one of the finest footballers in the second division, bringing himself a move to Leeds United for a fee of £1 million in 1990.

At Leeds United, McAllister settled into the midfield seamlessly, forming a talented quartet that included David Batty, Gary Speed and Gordon Strachan. The four would be credited with driving the team to a dramatic and impressive league title win in 1991-92. He would go on to captain the club in the 1996 League Cup Final, ending his spell at Leeds United as a legend. After the first of two spells with Coventry City began in 1996, McAllister played a prominent role as the side stayed in the division throughout his time there. He even had a drink named after him by supporters, called the 'Gary Mac'. McAllister would go on to gain similar fanfare after a surprise transfer to Liverpool FC in 2000. At 35 years old, many questioned the wisdom of the transfer, but McAllister quickly dispelled these thoughts, playing a key role in the club's qualification for the UEFA Champions League, as well the unique treble win. He is today lauded by Liverpool supporters as number 32 in a list of 100 Players Who Shook the Kop.