An expert in the header of the ball, Frank Stapleton was a skilful striker who scored over 150 goals throughout his senior career. Beginning his venture as an apprentice with Arsenal FC in 1972, it only took him three years to make his first-team debut against Stoke City FC in 1975.
Remaining with Arsenal for seven years, Stapleton formed a strong partnership with fellow striker, Malcolm Macdonald with whom he scored 46 goals in the 1976-77 season. Frank was in fact Arsenal’s top scorer, he scored a total of 108 goals within 300 appearances with the Gunners which helped them reach a trio of FA Cup finals.
In 1981, Stapleton moved to Manchester United FC. With his success following him, the team won two FA Cups where he managed to become to the first man to score for two different clubs in FA Cup Finals. 365 matches and 78 goals later, he left United to play for Ajax Amsterdam before returning to his home country to play for Derby County FC, Blackburn Rovers FC, Aldershot FC, Huddersfield Town FC, Bradford City FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC. He played two games of the 1994-95 season before finally retiring as a player.
Alongside a highly successful club career, Frank also had a glittering international career winning 71 caps and scoring a record 20 goals with the Republic of Ireland. He was made team captain through the fight to qualify for the 1986 World Cup and throughout the 1988 Euros.
His captaincy at international level proved that he was capable of managing a squad. Consequently, he moved to the United States in order to manage New England Revolution, a Major League Soccer team. He made his return to the UK as he was headhunted by Sam Allardyce, who wanted him to become the specialist coach to improve the skills of the strikers at Bolton Wanderers FC. Shortly after, Stapleton reunited with former teammate, Ray Watkins to become assistant manager of Jordan national team.
A versatile, enthusiastic football speaker who has experience in teamwork, leadership and determination makes Frank Stapleton fully equipped to deliver a motivational speech that will stand out as one of the best you’ve listened to.
