Alan Hansen

A former Liverpool and Scotland football player who became one of the finest defenders in the game, Alan Hansen is also well known for spending 22 years as a pundit on Match of the Day, he was widely thought of as the 'best in the business' throughout that time. Alan is a widely-loved football personality, whose knowledge and analysis of the game was second to none during his time on screen. Fellow Match of the Day star and former professional footballer, Gary Lineker said, “Hansen has been for two decades, consistently the best”.

His role on Match of the Day also brought Hansen further mainstream press attention. He writes a column for the Daily Telegraph and is still asked for his expert opinion around the country, with broadcasters such as former employer, the BBC. Since retiring from television, Hansen has continued to impress guests at corporate and sporting events around the UK, in his role as an after-dinner football speaker. Here, his anecdotes and opinions are lapped up by audiences, as he recounts some of the most memorable moments of his time in and out of the game.

In his playing career, Hansen was central to the formidable defence that set the tone for Liverpool's extraordinary success and dominance in the 1970s and 80s. During this time, Hansen proved himself a pioneer of the position, showing himself to be elegant in possession as well as fearless in the defensive line. This, along with his exceptional leadership qualities earned him a reputation as one of the world’s best. He is the only player to have won all of the honours available to him at Liverpool. Recently, in 2025, Alan was appointed MBE for services to football and broadcasting. 

Some of his greatest moments include captaining the side to a double in 1986 and helping the side to domestic and European dominance. Not only is he treasured for his ability in both the playing and speaking side of football, but Hansen is also known for his humility. Following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, where 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives in a stadium crush, Hansen would attend funerals and visit victims of the tragedy in the aftermath. An after-dinner speaker offering a detailed examination of his fascinating time in football, Alan Hansen is undoubtedly one of the best speakers available.