Terry Butcher spent more than ten years as a part of England’s international team, taking part in no less than three World Cup campaigns and enjoyed an almost twenty year senior career playing for a number of English and Scottish teams. During his playing career as a defender, Butcher captained the England national team, winning 77 caps in a ten-year international career. Butcher also enjoyed success in his club career, particularly with Ipswich Town and Rangers. Butcher has subsequently managed clubs in England, Scotland, Australia and Wales, Terry Butcher now works across the United Kingdom as a highly regarded football speaker.
Born in Singapore, Terry Butcher spent a total of eight years at Ipswich Town where he enjoyed much of his success as the team’s centre back. Arguably Butcher’s fondest playing days came with Rangers, Butcher became one of the first ‘English invasion’ players to join Scottish club Rangers following the appointment of Graeme Souness as manager and as captain of club enjoyed successful period which saw the club win three Scottish Football League Premier Division titles in four years to go along with two Scottish League Cup trophies.
Following such a decorated few years, Terry Butcher went on to play for Coventry City, Sunderland and Clydebank before announcing his retirement. Internationally, Terry Butcher also enjoyed many successes earning 77 caps and representing England at the 1982 World Cup where he was the youngest member of the back four. A regular within the England team, during the 1986 World Cup Butcher was a part of the team and defence that Diego Maradona famously passed to score the ‘goal of the century’.
Best known for playing through a gruesome injury in an England shirt, Butcher suffered a deep cut to his forehead early in a vital World Cup qualifier. Butcher had some impromptu stitches inserted by the physiotherapist and swathed in bandages, continued playing. His constant heading of the ball, an aspect of the game that is unavoidable when playing in the centre of defence, disintegrated the bandages and reopened the cut to the extent that his white England shirt was red with blood by the end of the game. This act of bravery and commitment is often used when referencing Butcher even to this day.
Now a dedicated football speaker, Terry Butcher is a much sought after member of the after dinner speaker circuit; he has also worked as a football speaker for BBC Radio Five Live and provided commentary for a number of high profile matches further enhancing his popularity, demand and credentials as a football speaker. A Scottish Hall of Fame inductee, Terry Butcher is a favourite amongst football fans and has many fantastic tales and anecdotes to share with guests at audience at event at which he is performing.
