Lou Macari’s name is synonymous with passion, resilience, and discipline, qualities that have shaped his remarkable career as both a footballer and manager. Today, Lou is a highly sought-after speaker, sharing his experiences to inspire others with stories of teamwork, leadership, and determination drawn from a life in elite sport.
Lou’s playing career began at Celtic, where he was part of the famed “Quality Street Gang” alongside Kenny Dalglish and Danny McGrain. In 1973, he joined Manchester United and became a vital figure during a turbulent era at the club. Despite relegation in 1974, Lou helped United bounce back by winning the Second Division title the following year. He was central to the team’s attacking resurgence and played a pivotal role in their 1977 FA Cup triumph over Liverpool. Across a decade at Old Trafford, Lou made over 400 appearances and scored 98 goals. He also represented Scotland, earning 24 senior caps and a place in the 1978 World Cup squad. His international experience added another layer to his understanding of high-pressure performance on the global stage.
After retiring as a player, Lou made a seamless transition into management. At Swindon Town, he led the club to two promotions in consecutive seasons, including a record-breaking 102-point campaign in 1985–86. He later managed West Ham United, Birmingham City, Celtic, Huddersfield Town, and Stoke City twice, where he won the 1992 Football League Trophy and the Second Division title in 1993. Known for his no-nonsense leadership style, Lou demanded high fitness standards, a strong work ethic, and unity within his squads. He wasn’t afraid to make bold decisions and stood firm in his principles, qualities that now form the foundation of his speaking topics: resilience under pressure, transformational leadership, and building winning cultures.
Today, Lou shares these lessons with corporate audiences, sports teams, and students alike. His talks are full of humour, humility, and real-life insights, making him a captivating speaker who brings decades of experience, grit, and inspiration to the stage.
- 2023 – Received the LMA John Duncan Award
- 2000 – Appointed Huddersfield Town manager; led them to the Second Division play-offs
- 1994 – Returned as manager of Stoke City; reached the play-offs in 1996
- 1993 – Appointed Celtic manager
- 1991 – Became manager of Stoke City; won Second Division title in 1993 and Football League Trophy in 1992
- 1991 – Appointed manager of Birmingham City; won the Football League Trophy
- 1989 – Became manager of West Ham United
- 1987 – Won promotion with Swindon Town via Third Division play-offs
- 1985 – Won Fourth Division title with Swindon Town, setting a record with 102 points
- 1984 – Retired from playing; became player-manager of Swindon Town
- 1975 – Helped Manchester United win the Second Division title
- 1973 – Joined Manchester United from Celtic; scored on debut and later won the 1977 FA Cup
- 1970 – Broke into Celtic’s first team; went on to win three league titles and two Scottish Cups
- 1968 – Became part of Celtic’s “Quality Street Gang,” a legendary youth side
How to hire Lou Macari
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Lou Macari for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
