30 Facts About Alan Hansen

Alan David Hansen MBE was born on 13 June 1955 and is a Scottish former footballer and BBC television football pundit.

Alan Hansen became well known for his outspoken views, particularly on teams' defensive performances, frequently criticising what he believed was "diabolical" or "shocking" defending.

Alan Hansen was born in Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, and attended Lornshill Academy and supported Rangers growing up.

Alan Hansen played his early football at Scottish Junior league club, Sauchie Juniors near Alloa.

At the age of 15, Alan Hansen ran into a plate-glass panel after playing volleyball and was left with a large scar on his forehead.

Alan Hansen sued the education authority and won the case.

Alan Hansen stopped playing football between the ages of 15 and 17 and concentrated on playing golf, with aspirations of becoming a professional.

Alan Hansen turned down the opportunity to study at the University of Aberdeen, in order to join his older brother John at Partick Thistle.

Alan Hansen made his debut on 24 September 1977 in a league match at Anfield.

Alan Hansen was put into the first team sporadically throughout the season.

Alan Hansen managed 18 appearances in the First Division that season, where Liverpool finished runners-up to Nottingham Forest.

Alan Hansen was involved in a controversial incident in the League Cup final at Wembley when he appeared to handle a shot on the goal line.

Alan Hansen gave Hansen the captaincy and the season ended in triumph, as in 1986 Liverpool became only the third side in the 20th century to complete a League and FA Cup "double", following Tottenham in 1961 and Arsenal in 1971.

Alan Hansen lifted both trophies as captain and earned his first FA Cup winners' medal, thereby completing the domestic set.

Alan Hansen did not have any objections to Whelan keeping the captaincy that season.

Alan Hansen made more appearances the following season but his persistent knee problems continued to affect his fitness although he still captained Liverpool to another League title, which made it eight individually for Alan Hansen, which was a record at the time.

Alan Hansen was selected for the FA Cup semi-final match against Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough, playing the opening six minutes of the match before it was abandoned.

Alan Hansen attended 12 funerals and visited the injured in hospital.

Alan Hansen played for Scotland in the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

Alan Hansen had played infrequently for Scotland before the tournament, and had often withdrawn from squads.

Alan Hansen was offered the Huddersfield Town job in 1992, following the sacking of Eoin Hand, but he turned it down.

Alan Hansen ruled himself out by stating that, despite his great affection for the club, he simply was not interested in coaching or management; a position he has maintained ever since Roy Evans got the job.

Alan Hansen turned down an offer in 1995 to manage Manchester City, following the sacking of Brian Horton.

Alan Hansen began working for BBC Radio 5 Live, before moving on to Match of the Day.

Alan Hansen became a columnist for The Daily Telegraph, Telegraph.

Alan Hansen later continued to repeat the phrase for humorous effect and said the phrase "made him" as a pundit, as people would shout it at him in public places.

On 5 September 2013, Alan Hansen announced he would retire as a Match of the Day pundit following the 2014 World Cup.

Alan Hansen covered sixteen FA Cup Finals, six FIFA World Cups, five UEFA European Championships and one Summer Olympic Games with the BBC.

On 9 June 2024, Liverpool FC issued a press release expressing support for Alan Hansen who was seriously ill in hospital.

Alan Hansen was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2025 New Year Honours for services to Association Football and Broadcasting.