Ally McCoist

Perhaps Scotland’s best known footballer, Ally McCoist has experienced highly successful careers as both as a player and manager. Ally began his playing career at St. Johnstone, playing there for a while before moving to Sunderland, Ally immediately impressed managers with his confident style of play as a striker. An energetic and enthusiastic personality at events, Ally is sure to be a hit with guests and provide a hugely entertaining talk as a football speaker. Returning to Scotland two years after joining Sunderland, Ally signed for Rangers, a move that would see him over time become the club’s record goal-scorer with 355 goals. Ally also holds numerous other records for the club, including number of league goals scored, number of Scottish League Cup goals scored and most goals scored in European competitions.

A player who truly achieved peak performance, Ally describes what is needed to achieve greatness in any field as a sports speaker, providing a range of compelling ideas for audiences to mull over. In 2007 Ally was given the honour of being inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame. Due to his commitment to his sport McCoist is one of the nation’s most celebrated football players. McCoist also featured heavily in Scottish international football during his career, gaining 61 caps and scoring 19 goals in the process. Returning to Rangers in 2007, six years after his retirement, Ally became assistant manager at the club under Walter Smith.

By 2011, McCoist had taken charge of the side and displayed impressive leadership strategies that led the side to challenge in all competitions. Unfortunately, Rangers went into liquidation during the 2012-2013 season. Rangers were placed in the Scottish Third Division due to their position and McCoist began the herculean task of rejuvenating his club back to prominence. Ally’s drive and determination to overcome this adversity has proven to be inspirational, leading Rangers to an unbeaten season in the Scottish League One championship just one season later.

Breaching topics such as leadership and teamwork and their importance to success as a football speaker, Ally will ensure that his lessons learnt from a life in sport can be translated for success in both business and life. A wonderful after-dinner speaker, Ally’s passion for the sport ensures that guests become a part of his world as he recounts anecdotal tales from his times both on the pitch and sidelines. One of the most demanded personalities on the after-dinner speaker circuit, Ally’s time on BBC’s A Question of Sport, along with numerous other shows have given him a huge knowledge of hospitality and what makes a good show.