One of the most prolific Welsh footballers of recent times, John Hartson has enjoyed a truly impressive playing and punditry career. A sports speaker who has made 400 appearances and scored over 160 goals throughout a career which spanned 15 years, Hartson enjoyed the bulk of his success whilst playing for Scottish giants Celtic. Now retired from playing duties, Hartson has forged an impressive occupation as a football speaker appearing as an after-dinner speaker alongside his current media duties.
Hartson turned professional in 1992 and made his first team debut for Luton Town as a substitute before he joined Arsenal for £2.5 million, a British record fee for a teenage player at the time. A highlight of his was scoring Arsenal’s 75th-minute equaliser in the 1995 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final.
In 1997, Hartson become the most expensive player to be signed by West Ham United in a deal that was initially reported to be worth £5 million. Hartson was capped 73 times overall and scored 33 goals altogether for the east London club before a training ground incident with a team mate led to his eventual departure from the club. Hartson joined AFC Wimbledon in January 1999, becoming the club’s most expensive signing ever at £7.5m, his time at the club was however marred by injury.
In a £6 million transfer, Hartson scored over 80 goals in his 146 appearances for Celtic as Hartson was thrusted into the football spotlight. His 5 years at Celtic Park cemented Hartson as a role model and superstar; representing Wales on 51 occasions, John Hartson is the 9th top scorer in his country’s history having found the net 14 times. A legend within Welsh sport, Hartson currently fronts a multitude of football shows in his homeland, as well as being a regular pundit with ITV and BBC; a favourite on television, Hartson’s media commitments have enhanced his ability as a football speaker, increasing his suitability to a range of events as an after-dinner speaker and football speaker.
In April 2005, Hartson shared the Scottish PFA Players’ Player of the Year award with Fernando Ricksen and a short time later in May he was voted the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year. In a career at Celtic that saw Hartson and his team win 6 trophies including the Scottish Premier League three times, the The Scottish Cuptwice and the Scottish League Cup. Voted Welsh Footballer of the Year on three occasions as a testament to his footballing prowess in both domestic football and during his 51 cap Wales career. The 2016 FAI International Personality fondly reminisces about his playing career and glittering accomplishments when he performs at events as a football speaker.
Away from his football commitments, John Hartson famously beat an aggressive case of Testicular Cancer in 2009. His fight and dedication is admirable, and Hartson himself is an exceptional individual. Back in the limelight of television appearances and punditry, Hartson has established himself as one of the most loved football stars of recent times. A direct, open and honest sports speaker whose attendance at after dinner events is extremely sought after, Hartson delves into all aspects of his life and struggles on and off the pitch, delivering an exceptional and emotional speech which is sure to touch everyone.
A regular personality in the world of punditry, in 2016, he joined BT Sport to provide analysis on the newly launched BT Sport Score as well as his commitments with BBC Radio 5 Live. A truly inspirational figure who has overcome a tremendous amount of adversity and experienced the highs and lows of life, Hartson is able to provide a holistic and heart-warming account as a football speaker having a real impact with the audience. His wealth of knowledge that he gracefully shares with his audience along with his understanding of the footballing world and the requirements for sustained success within the game allow him to provide a very informative speech. John Hartson is a football speaker who is certain to be a fantastic and impactful addition to any event.
