Mickey Quinn

Mickey began his football journey as an apprentice with Derby County in 1978. After a year, he turned professional by joining Wigan Athletic in September 1979. During his time at Wigan, he played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Third Division in 1982.

Quinn then moved to Stockport County, where he established himself as a regular goalscorer, before signing with Oldham Athletic in January 1984. His career took a significant step forward when he joined Portsmouth in 1986. In the 1986-87 season, he became Portsmouth’s top scorer with 24 goals, helping them achieve promotion to the First Division as Second Division runners-up.

In July 1989, Newcastle United manager Jim Smith signed Quinn for £680,000. He made an immediate impact, scoring four goals on his debut in a 5-2 victory over Leeds United. Quinn ended the 1989-90 season as the Football League’s top scorer with 34 league goals and 39 across all competitions.

Quinn later joined Coventry City, where his scoring prowess continued. During his first six months, he netted 17 Premier League goals, including a hat-trick against Arsenal in a memorable 3-0 away win. Despite his impressive performances, he lost his place in the team after Coventry signed Dion Dublin in 1994. Following short loan spells with Plymouth Argyle and Watford, he retired from football in 1996.

After hanging up his boots, Mickey Quinn pursued a career as a professional racehorse trainer, establishing stables in Newmarket, Suffolk. His love for horse racing has seen him thrive in this second career, and he remains a prominent figure in the industry.

Quinn has also become a familiar voice in the media, covering both football and horse racing for TalkSport radio. His charisma and colourful personality have made him a popular figure on the after-dinner speaking circuit, where he entertains audiences with his wealth of stories from both football and racing.

In 2003, Quinn published his autobiography, “Who Ate All the Pies?”, offering a humorous and candid account of his life and career. He further endeared himself to the public by appearing on the 2006 series of Celebrity Fit Club, where he shed over 24% of his body weight and earned the title of Mr Fit Club.

Known for his quick wit and self-deprecating humour, Mickey Quinn has cemented his status as a cult hero. Portsmouth fans famously chanted, “He’s fat, he’s round, he’s worth a million pound – Mickey Quinn!” during his playing days, a testament to his impact on and off the pitch.

Today, Mickey Quinn is not only remembered as a prolific striker and football cult hero but also celebrated as an engaging speaker, media personality, and successful racehorse trainer. His wealth of experience and infectious personality make him a fantastic addition to any event or corporate function.