Tony Adams

British football speaker and Arsenal legend, Tony Adams is known for his long-running career as defender and captain for Arsenal. Still considered one of the best and most influential players in the club’s history, Adam’s is a sporting sensation who has become popular on the after dinner speaking circuit. Beginning his career at just fourteen Tony Adams went on to play for Arsenal throughout the 1980s and 1990’s finally retiring in 2002. Whilst with the club Arsenal gained three FA Cup and four Premier League trophies not to mention the UEFA League Winners and numerous Community Shields won through the ’90s.

Remembered as one of the greatest Arsenal players on the field during the team’s highly successful run in the 1990’s Adams also captained the England squad on a number of occasions. After two decades on the pitch, Adams retired in 2002 from professional play but didn’t abandon the beloved game entirely. Taking up the position of Manager at Wycombe Wanderers in 2003, he was able to influence the next generation with his incredible talent. For the following fourteen years, Adams continued to take on managerial and coaching positions at top teams, including Feyenoord, Portsmouth, and Granada. 

Outside his work as a football speaker for Arsenal, Tony Adams also contributes much of his own time and money to charity. Founder of his own addiction relief charity, A Sporting Chance, Adams draws much inspiration from his own personal experiences with alcoholism. Patrons of the charity include Elton John and Kate Hoey and also Adam’s former teammate and fellow sports speaker Paul Merson, who himself is a recovering alcoholic. Additionally, Tony is starring as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2022, swapping his football boots for dancing shoes! 

As a player and football legend, Tony Adams was honoured in 2011, when a statue was erected of him outside of the Emirates Stadium in recognition of his commitment to the club. During his time at Arsenal, Adams made 669 appearances for the club, the second most by any player and lead the team to ten major honours as the Captain. Often he finds himself asked to discuss his time at the club and, in his work as a football speaker, he shares his experience and fond memories. Adams brings his managerial experience, knowledge of achieving peak performance and his inspiring story of drive and determination, to his discussions. In addition, he will share a plethora of entertaining stories from his world-class career to entertain all audiences.