Northern Irish footballer and football speaker Roy Carroll has garnered fans across the UK and Europe, playing for various British teams, including Notts County, Hull City and Derby County. Carroll is best known by most for his stint as goalkeeper and football speaker for English giants Manchester United and West Ham United. Carroll has also had a one-game managerial career, leading Barnet to a 2–1 victory in the 2011 Herts Senior Cup final against Stevenage. Therefore, Carroll holds the unique honour of having won a trophy in his only game as a manager.
Beginning his career at Ballinamallard United in his home country, Roy Carroll made his first senior appearance for Hull City in 1995, though his time with Hull was largely uninspiring, his performances was enough to gain the attention of Wigan Athletic who purchased him for a record £350,000 in 1997. Speaking as a football speaker at events, Carroll has cited the importance of this move and explains it allowed him to showcase his talents with while at Wigan, Carroll certainly did not disappoint his new team. Making 170 appearances for Wigan Athletic, Roy Carroll was voted Goalkeeper of the Year in the Second Division by his fellow professionals in 2000 as a reflection of the vital role he played in Wigan’s unbeaten run of 26 league games in the same season.
After several years of speculation, Roy Carroll finally made the move to the Premier League in 2001 joining defending league champions, Manchester United. Carroll quickly became a favourite amongst United fans offering instantly impressive performances and he remains a popular choice of football speakers at many Manchester based after dinner speaker events. Carroll was awarded a Premier League winners’ medal in the 2002–03 season followed by an FA Cup winners’ medal the following year.
Arguably the most notorious moment in Carroll’s career occurred during his time at Manchester United when in a game against Tottenham Hotspur the referee and linesmen were both unable to verify whether a shot taken by Spurs player, Pedro Mendes at the half way line passed into Carroll’s goal. To this day fans still argue and speculate about the “goal that never was” and its outcome on the final score. This event is often discussed by Carroll in his performances as a football speaker and is an extremely popular segment amongst guests and fans.
Carroll departed Manchester United in favouring of joining West Ham United in 2005 where he quickly gained favour and popularity amongst fans. It was however during his stint at West Ham that Carroll entered a rehab facility to undergo treatment for alcohol abuse, depression and stress. An incredibly difficult period in his life, Roy Carroll discusses the emotional strain such a time had on him and his career and how he recovered to return to doing what he does best.
Carroll returned to work as both a goalkeeper and football speaker when he joined Derby County in 2008, however after just a year at Derby County under his belt, Carroll moved to Danish Superliga side Odense BKwhere he enjoyed much more success than he had experienced in several years. Carroll was named Goalkeeper of the Year after just fourteen appearances with the club and Roy proved himself recovered and back to the form he was renowned for.
Alongside his domestic career, Roy Carroll has also enjoyed a notable career with his home nation, making fifty International appearances for Northern Ireland, Carroll is frequently called upon to act as a football speaker for the Northern Irish national team. An incredibly popular football speaker up and down the UK, much of Roy’s work as an after dinner speaker discusses the success of the Northern Irish team and the important role of a goalkeeper on the development and maintenance of a successful football squad.
Beyond his work as a football speaker Roy Carroll is also known for his humanitarian and charitable work, awarded a Red Cross Humanitarian Award after the close relationship he developed with ten year old football fan, Adam Kirkpatrick who was battling Leukaemia and took great inspiration and strength from Carroll’s visits.
A truly inspirational figure who has enjoyed an incredibly successful career over a sustained period of time, Roy Carroll has dealt with trials and tribulations along with the glories of professional football. An infectious personality who is certain to make a positive impact amongst guests at any event and leave a lasting impression, Roy Carroll is able to provide a unique insight into the world of football and professional today as he continues to be active and successful as a player. Roy Carroll is certain to be a magnificent addition to any event and is available to hire as a football speaker.
