Viv Anderson

Former international footballer and coach, Viv Anderson, was the first ever black player to represent England in the game. A pioneering sportsman who spent his career not only proving his dominance on the field, but breaking race barriers, making history and standing defiant against diversity, Anderson is one of the most iconic footballers the country has ever produced. Having played at the elite levels of the sport, for clubs like Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Anderson has a vast public platform, and is hugely popular thanks to his down to earth and personable character. A legend of football, Anderson makes the ideal sports speaker or after dinner speaker, armed with captivating, and humorous, anecdotes from the glory days.

1978 is a year for the history books, and a win for equal rights, as Anderson became the first black player to represent the England senior squad in football. In the friendly against Czechoslovakia, Anderson proved himself a vital player for the side, with outstanding form and confident tackling, gaining a further thirty caps for his country throughout his career. An equally prolific club player, Anderson was a valuable asset to Arsenal, Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday, upon his exit from Forest. Winning the League Cup in ’89 with Arsenal, and the FA Cup in ‘89 with United secured Anderson’s place in football history.

Born and raised in Clifton, Nottingham, Anderson began his professional career as a school boy for Manchester United, before securing a spot in his childhood town at Nottingham Forest in 1974. Under the guidance of the illustrious Brian Clough, Anderson’s early career was impressive, from winning the League Cup in ‘78 and ‘79 to coming first in the European Cup in 1979 and 1980. Spending a decade with the side saw Anderson rise to prominence for his skill and tact when it came to dealing with racial abuse from rival fans. Taunted with racist chants, Anderson maintained his composure and chose to use his platform to educate and break down barriers amongst ethnicities, a pioneering young player.

Since retiring in 1995, Anderson has continued to support the wider football community, through his work with the National Football Museum and Football Association, regularly appearing as a speaker and special guest at their events. As a legendary player, Anderson was awarded an MBE in 2000 and voted into Nottingham Forest’s all time Greatest XI by fans, securing 96% of the vote. Evidently a hugely popular player, whose reputation has continued long after his days on the pitch, Anderson now shares entertaining after dinner talks on his playing days, overcoming adversity and developing qualities required for resilience.

Our Director, Jack Hayes, sat down with Viv Anderson late last year and discussed Viv's career highlights, playing under Brian Clough and racism in football. Take a look at our exclusive interview with Viv Anderson today.