John McGovern was born in Montrose, Scotland and moved with his family to Hartlepool at the age of seven. Educated at Henry Smith’s Grammar School where rugby was the only accepted sport, John discovered football during the school holidays spent at his grandmother’s back in Scotland and fell in love with the game.
Back at school, his Headmaster was not impressed with John’s new passion and gave him a severe dressing down on a number of occasions but despite this, and his late introduction to football at the age of fifteen, John McGovern became the youngest player to play in all four divisions of the Football League by the time he was 19 and was to go on a play over 500 league games during his career.
During his playing career he won promotion with Hartlepool United, Derby County and Nottingham Forest, and he also won two Scottish Under Twenty Three caps.
After winning a League Championship medal at Derby County, John went on to be Captain of Nottingham Forest where he won the League Championship again along with two League Cups and two European Cups.
John has been Player Manager at Bolton Wanderers, Assistant Manager at Plymouth Argyle and Hull City, and Joint Manager at Rotherham.
A regular host on match days at Nottingham Forest and other football grounds including the Champion Leagues Lounge at Manchester United for the last two European Champion League Games, John is also a regular commentator for BBC Nottingham. He continues to coach lads of all ages around the world including workers in the oil fields of Azerbaijan and girls and boys attending summer schools in the USA.
A highly entertaining after dinner speaker, he is also increasingly being asked to speak to corporate clients such as Royal Bank of Scotland about his experiences throughout his career and the motivation behind his constant achievements.
John co-wrote “Forest Giants”, published by Pineapple Books in 2003.
Back at school, his Headmaster was not impressed with John’s new passion and gave him a severe dressing down on a number of occasions but despite this, and his late introduction to football at the age of fifteen, John McGovern became the youngest player to play in all four divisions of the Football League by the time he was 19 and was to go on a play over 500 league games during his career.
During his playing career he won promotion with Hartlepool United, Derby County and Nottingham Forest, and he also won two Scottish Under Twenty Three caps.
After winning a League Championship medal at Derby County, John went on to be Captain of Nottingham Forest where he won the League Championship again along with two League Cups and two European Cups.
John has been Player Manager at Bolton Wanderers, Assistant Manager at Plymouth Argyle and Hull City, and Joint Manager at Rotherham.
A regular host on match days at Nottingham Forest and other football grounds including the Champion Leagues Lounge at Manchester United for the last two European Champion League Games, John is also a regular commentator for BBC Nottingham. He continues to coach lads of all ages around the world including workers in the oil fields of Azerbaijan and girls and boys attending summer schools in the USA.
A highly entertaining after dinner speaker, he is also increasingly being asked to speak to corporate clients such as Royal Bank of Scotland about his experiences throughout his career and the motivation behind his constant achievements.
John co-wrote “Forest Giants”, published by Pineapple Books in 2003.
Outstanding football player for Hartlepool United, Derby County and Nottingham Forest. Today John is a commentator and coach as well as a highly entertaining after dinner and inspiring motivational speaker.
"A Career in Football" covers John's humble beginings at Hartlepool to the glory of winning two consecutive European Cups. John regales his audiences with several Brian Clough anecdotes and amusing references to players, managers and referees, while describing his personal experiences dring a highly successful career.
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