Garth Crooks

An outspoken and entertaining football speaker who has covered some of the game's most vibrant moments, Garth Crooks is a passionate former player turned pundit who has inspired many with his love of football. He became the third black player to score in an FA Cup final in 1981 in his time as a player, and later became the first black chairman of the PFA. Speaking on discrimination and diversity, Garth Crook's sobering experiences of racism and of battling through abuse are influential. To many, he was a beacon of light, a man who kept aspiring for more, amid hatred and uncertainty.

Rewriting the rule book for the generations that followed, Garth showed incredible mental resilience throughout his career. His response to racism was to become a better player, to block out those who spoke ill of him and to strive to light up the football pitch. He has done no less since moving from the pitch to the studio.

As a regular pundit on BBC's Match of the Day and Football Focus, Garth often chips in with his informed opinion and analysis, as well as original observations and one-liners. Held in the highest regard on screen, Garth has engaged countless football audiences with his honest review of matches and intense love of the game. He was appointed an OBE for his services to football punditry and passion for the game in 1999.

Garth joined various commissions, working with Britain's Commission for Racial Equality and the Institute of Professional Sport, showing his commitment to battling discrimination as well as supporting the progress of athletics. In 2003 he was appointed chair of the Independent Football Commission's racism and equality issues committee.

In his playing career, which spanned from 1976 to 1990, Garth played for Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic, making 375 appearances in total. His most prolific spell was with Spurs, where he would score 48 of his 129 career goals.

At Spurs he forged an impressive strike partnership with Steve Archibald, helping the club to win the FA Cup in 1981, after equalising in Spurs' 3-2 win over Manchester City. Much loved by football fans across the UK, Garth is an engaging after dinner speaker and football pundit capable of inspiring all in attendance. Whether featuring at a team building day or diversity event, Garth Crooks is the confident, sharp and passionate football speaker to bring any crowd to their feet.