John Hartson is a former professional footballer who is now available as an after dinner speaker. John is not only well known for his years spent as a striker for Celtic, Arsenal, West Ham United and the Welsh national team, but also for his courageous battle against cancer and his charity work.

Born in Swansea in 1975, John was the third of four children born to Cyril Hartson and his wife Diana. A keen soccer player himself, Cyril had represented the local team Afan Lido. John grew up in Talycoppa with his brother and two sisters. His interest in the game was evident from an early age and he went on to play for Lonlas Boys' Club in Skewen. In fact he played in his first match when he was just six years of age.

At the age of sixteen John joined Luton Town's Youth Training Scheme and was well on the way to becoming a professional footballer. In 1992 he turned professional, making his debut for Luton's first team in 1993. In 1995 he joined Arsenal for a record breaking fee (for a teenager!) of £2.5 million. John was a regular on the team during his first season and is best remembered for scoring the 75th minute equaliser in the 1995 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Final against Real Zaragoza. Unfortunately, Arsenal went on to lose the match after a last minute goal by Nayim. Nevertheless, this remains a highlight of his early career as a young striker. John scored fourteen goals in fifty three Premiership games for the Gunners before being sold to West Ham in February 1997.

During his time with the Hammers, John displayed great spirit and drive, and is well remembered for the passion that he showed for the game. He netted more than thirty goals for the east London club and in his first full season became the second highest scoring player in the Premier League. Andrew Cole was the highest!

In 1999 John moved to yet another London club - this time Wimbledon. With a transfer fee of £7.5 million he became their most expensive ever signing. Unfortunately, he was blighted by injury during his time at the club. Nevertheless he still managed to net a respectable number of goals.

The year 2001 saw John transfer to Scottish side Celtic. John became very popular with the fans and highlights of his time at the club included sharing the Scottish PFA Players' Player of the Year award with Fernando Ricksen in 2005 and also being voted Scottish Football Writers' Association Player of the Year in the same year.

Sadly John was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2009. The disease had spread to his brain and lungs, but in true fighting spirit John survived and has now set up his own charity - the John Hartson Foundation.

John Hartson is available as an after dinner speaker at events all over the United Kingdom.

To Book John Hartson call AJ Promotions on 01704 834493 or 07799720483