Gordon Taylor

By Joanie on 17 November 2018

ordon is Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association a position he has held for over 30 years, under his tenure the union continues to go from strength to strength.

A former professional player, Gordon made over 250 appearances for Bolton Wanderers and scored over 50 goals before being transferred to Birmingham City in 1970. He also played for Blackburn Rover and finally Bury before retiring in 1980 to work full-time for the PFA.

In 1981 Cliff Lloyd OBE handed over the stewardship of the PFA to Gordon and he was duly appointed Secretary/Chief Executive.

Gordon pioneered the ‘Football in the Community’ initiative, starting with a pilot scheme of 6 clubs the successful model was eventually rolled out to all 92 Football League clubs.

Gordon continues to be a pivotal ambassador for anti-racism campaigns within football and has ensured that the PFA remains a major funder and key partner for both the ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ and ‘Kick It Out’ organisations. Gordon was inducted into the ‘Show Racism the Red Card’s Hall of Fame’ in 2004.

Gordon has a degree in economics and honorary degree from Loughborough and De Montfort Universities. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2008, recognising his services to Football. In 2011 he received the ‘Lifetime Contribution to North West Football’ award and also the ‘Contribution to League Football Award’.