Alan Hansen

Birthday: 13 June 1955, Alloa, Scotland, UK

Height: 187 cm

Alan Hansen was a formidable defender during his playing days. He was also the first outfield player to win English league titles in three different decades. Since retiring he has become one of the most respected and knowledgeable pundits on the beautiful game.His first club as a professional was Scottish team Partick Thistle, where his brother John Hansen already played. Alan and John also played together before signing professional contracts with Partick Thistle at non league club, Sauchie Juniors.It didn't take long for Alan to break into the Partick Thistle first team. His intelligence and defensive talents began to attract attention from bigger clubs, including Bob Paisley's Liverpool. A move to one of the country's top clubs was beckoning.He transferred to Liverpool at a cost of £110,000, and made his debut on the 24th September, 1977, in a league match at Anfield against Derby County.As an integral part of the great Liverpool side of the late 70s and early to mid- 80s, Alan's record of achievement with the Merseyside giants is impressive.His first full international cap came on the 19th May, 1979, in a British Home Championship match against Wales. He also represented his country at the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain, however, Scotland failed to progress beyond the qualifying group due to drawing 2-2 with the USSR.In total he received 26 caps for Scotland- not a lot for a defender of such considerable talent. This was in part due to the already formidable central defensive partnership of Willie Miller and Alex McLeish, who also played together at Aberdeen.Given his exceptional footballing brain, it wasn't long after his retirement that Sky Television employed Hansen as a pundit and summariser. He then moved to BBC Radio 5 Live before taking up his most well-known role as a pundit for Match of the Day.He is a columnist for the Daily Telegraph, Telegraph.co.UK and the BBC website on football issues and has also worked as a motivational speaker.He is represented in the UK by Useful Sports. Hide

Possession is king. If you can't keep hold of the ball, then there's not a lot there for you. Possession is king. If you can't keep hold of the ball, then there's not a lot there for you.

The only way you can get the best out of anyone is to give them good coaching early. The only way you can get the best out of anyone is to give them good coaching early.

Big hearts, togetherness, organisation can only take you so far. Big hearts, togetherness, organisation can only take you so far.

The golden rule of central defending is that there is a line running down the middle of the pitch. A Show more The golden rule of central defending is that there is a line running down the middle of the pitch. At every turn, one central defender must be close to that line. Hide

[on Manchester United in the year they won the double] You can't win anything with kids. [on Manchester United in the year they won the double] You can't win anything with kids.

I'm starting to get a bit worried - England are looking really good. I'm starting to get a bit worried - England are looking really good.

There's no way you can start coaching kids at 15, you have to learn to be good with both feet at sev Show more There's no way you can start coaching kids at 15, you have to learn to be good with both feet at seven, eight and nine. Hide

People talk about the system and the long ball or the short ball ... I've always thought it's about Show more People talk about the system and the long ball or the short ball ... I've always thought it's about the right ball. Hide

Jocks love to beat England. Jocks love to beat England.

Alan Hansen's FILMOGRAPHY - Page 2

as Actor (29)

Match of the Day - Season 55

Football Focus - Season 23