John Gahagan

Former professional footballer, John Gahagan played his whole career for his homeland clubs in Scotland. A qualified coach and development officer, John had a full and varied career in the industry, before becoming an award-winning after dinner speaker. Now a renowned speaker on the circuit, John is available to hire for corporate, private and sports occasions as a fantastic special guest.

Beginning his career with the junior club, Clydebank, John honed his talents there and grew into a skilled left-winger. In 1979 he moved to his first professional senior team, Motherwell, where his career really took off. Rising to fame with the Scottish Premier League team, John enjoyed much success as part of the team. Making a total of 291 appearances for the side over an eleven-year period, John experienced the most memorable years of his career at Motherwell, including winning the Scottish Football League First Division for two seasons, 1981-1982 and 1984-1985.

Transfering to Morton in 1990, John spent the remaining four years of his career at the club. Although he spent less time there, Morton left it’s impact on John as he worked under his favourite manager, Allan McGraw. As a player, John was credited with being accurate, dedicated and a natural talent on the pitch. John Gahagan retired in 1994, a Scottish legend.

Since retiring John was remained heavily involved in the sports industry, gaining his qualification as a Scottish Football Association coach. After coaching and leading the next generation of aspiring football stars, John took on the role of football development manager in Clackmannanshire.

Credited with being ‘without a doubt the best after-dinner speaker in Scotland’ John’s second career as a professional speaker has been just as illustrious as his football days. Taking to stages across the UK, John has entertained crowds of over one thousand people with his stories from the glory days and comical tales of life in and out of football. John’s philosophy of ‘you’ve got to laugh’ no matter the situation has led to his speeches receiving high praise and awards. On five occasions he has been invited to the Speaker of the Year Awards and won all five times, a credit to his fascinating talks.