Alan Curbishley

Former English football player and manager Alan Curbishley has enjoyed a career in the thick of English first division football. Beginning his playing career with West Ham United as an apprentice in 1974 and impressed from the outset. Owing to an injury crisis at the club, Curbishley became the youngest ever West Ham player to be named on the team sheet in a match against Everton aged just 16. An experienced football speaker, Alan has had decades of experience as both a player and manager, allowing guests to learn what top-flight football is really like. Curbishley’s first win and goal with the club was in 1975 against Newcastle. His arrival in the first team was so impressive that his peers gave him the nickname of ‘Whizz’.

Curbishley went on to enjoy a successful stint with West Ham, reaching finals of the European Cup as well as putting in convincing challenges for the league and cup. Moving on to Birmingham, Aston Villa, Charlton Athletic and Brighton before retiring from professional football, Alan had witnessed a career full of victory and success, two attributes he strives to instil into audience members as a sports speaker. Settling into a role as a coach at Charlton Athletic after his playing career, Alan stayed with the squad for 16 years.

Taking sole command of the club from 1995 onwards, Alan masterminded the revival of the club reaching the Premiership, proving to be a difficult side to play. Managing Charlton for 729 games up to 2006, Alan moved to West Ham United after a short spell away from football. Looking almost certain to be relegated, Alan led the side away from the danger zone with seven straight victories before leading the club to a top ten finish a season later. Discussing the importance of leadership in football as a sports speaker, Alan delivers a thought-provoking talk that challenges peoples preconceptions about the factors of a successful sports team. With a whole host of tales and stories to be recounted at events as a football speaker, Alan Curbishley is an ideal after-dinner speaker to make personal appearances and entertain guests.