Celtic and Wales centre forward, survivor, and one of the warmest voices in British football broadcasting
FootballJohn Hartson played football the way he speaks about it, with honesty and without a trace of pretence.
The big Welsh striker made his name at Luton and Arsenal before moving to West Ham, Wimbledon and, most famously, Celtic, where he scored more than 100 goals and won three Scottish league titles and two Scottish Cups under Martin O'Neill. He was hugely popular at Parkhead, not only for his goals but for the way he led the line and brought others into play. He won 51 caps for Wales and was part of the side that came achingly close to qualifying for Euro 2004.
In 2009, shortly after retiring, Hartson was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. Doctors gave him a very low chance of survival. He came through it after repeated surgery and chemotherapy, and went on to set up the John Hartson Foundation, which raises awareness of testicular cancer and funds support for other sufferers. His advocacy has saved lives.
He is now a regular pundit on BT Sport and a long running voice on BBC Radio Wales, and is one of the most generous and open speakers on the after dinner circuit. There is nothing rehearsed about him.
At Steam, his is the warmest room in the building within five minutes of walking in.
Two decades of world class speakers in the basement at EC3. Want to book John Hartson or someone like them? Tell us what you need and we will come back with a plan.
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