020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
Paul Ince – The First Black Manager in the Premier League
Paul Ince is one of English football’s most iconic midfielders, renowned for his leadership, resilience and determination on the pitch. With over 600 professional appearances, he played for some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan, and earned 53 caps for England. Known to fans as “The Guv’nor,” Paul was the first black player to captain the England national team, leaving an enduring mark on football history. Today, he is an authoritative and inspirational speaker, sharing powerful lessons on teamwork, leadership and peak performance.
Credentials and Impact
Paul began his professional career at West Ham United before earning a move to Manchester United in 1989. During his time at Old Trafford, he became a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield, helping the team secure back-to-back Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup. In 1995, he made a high-profile transfer to Inter Milan, excelling in Serie A and winning admiration from Italian fans. Returning to England with Liverpool, Paul became a driving force in midfield, and later added further experience at Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton Wanderers before finishing his playing career with spells at Swindon Town and Macclesfield Town.
Internationally, he won 53 England caps and memorably captained the side in a crucial 1997 World Cup qualifier against Italy. After retirement, Paul moved into management, starting as player-manager at Macclesfield before leading MK Dons to a league title and Football League Trophy in 2008. He went on to manage Blackburn Rovers, Notts County, Blackpool and Reading, becoming the first black manager in the Premier League.
Publications and Media
Paul has extended his influence beyond the pitch through his contributions to football media. He has appeared as a pundit on BBC Sport, ITV Sport and Sky Sports, where his sharp analysis and strong opinions have made him a respected voice in broadcasting. His media presence allows him to share insights on leadership, performance and resilience, drawing on his experience at the very highest levels of football.
Why Book Paul?
Paul is booked as a football speaker for his unmatched authority as a leader in the game and his ability to inspire audiences with lessons drawn from a career at the top. From lifting trophies with Manchester United to captaining England in one of the most iconic matches of the modern era, he brings to life stories of perseverance, bravery and teamwork. His journey also highlights important milestones in football history, as he broke barriers to become both England’s first black captain and the Premier League’s first black manager. Paul engages audiences with honesty and passion, whether he is discussing mental strength, motivating teams or overcoming adversity. With his wealth of experience in playing and management, he delivers talks that resonate in both sporting and corporate settings, making him an exceptional choice for keynote speeches, after-dinner events and leadership seminars.
To book Paul to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
