New Lecture Tour — 2026
NEVER
GIVE
UP
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦Gary Newbon MBE — The New Lecture Tour
A voice that defined five decades of sport. Intimate stories from Muhammad Ali, Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough, Nigel Mansell — and the greatest names in the game — forged in friendship, honesty and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
The Man Behind the Mic
Five Decades. One Voice.
Gary Newbon MBE spent five decades as one of Britain's most celebrated sports broadcasters. From Central Television to ITV Sport, his was the voice in the stadium tunnel, outside the dressing room door, in the winner's press conference — present at the moments that defined a sporting era.
But Gary didn't just report on greatness. He was trusted by it. Muhammad Ali confided in him. Brian Clough opened up to him in a way he opened up to no other journalist. Sir Alex Ferguson's most raw post-match moments — fury, joy, grief — were given to Gary first, and to history forever.
"He has an extraordinary ability to connect with the extraordinary — and make you feel like you were there."
"I fell out with Sir Alex Ferguson with my first interview but I did not give up and won his trust. He gave me access, information and interviews after some of his greatest moments as Manchester United manager some of his greatest moments as Manchester United manager."
The Keynote
Never
Give Up
What does it truly take to reach the pinnacle of achievement? To absorb failure, silence doubt, and keep going when the crowd has turned? Gary Newbon has spent a lifetime sitting across from people who know the answer — and living to tell their stories with unrivalled authenticity.
Never Give Up is a 90-minute journey through the defining moments of sporting greatness — drawing on Gary's unique access to champions, managers, boxers and drivers who refused to accept defeat. Inspirational, entertaining, and profoundly human.
Gary also shares his own Never Give Up story — from a determined young man fighting to break into newspapers and then television, to his relentless pursuit of the big interview. The centrepiece: a two-year campaign to persuade the Queen Mother to allow him to make a documentary, and how that persistence eventually landed him only the second TV interview Her Majesty ever granted.
What Audiences Take Away
Resilience Under Pressure
How the greatest athletes in history learned to perform when it mattered most — and what every leader can learn from them.
The Power of Authenticity
From Muhammad Ali's unshakeable self-belief to Brian Clough's brilliant eccentricity — how being genuinely yourself creates true authority.
Refusing to Accept Second Best
Sir Alex Ferguson's relentless pursuit of excellence. Nigel Mansell's refusal to give up on his world title dream. Lessons every organisation can apply.
Friendship & Trust in Leadership
Why the greatest managers and champions understood that relationships — not tactics — were the foundation of sustained success.
A Life Among Legends
The Icons of Sport
Over 50 years Gary interviewed most of the great names including: Muhammad Ali (3 times), Pelé (7), Franz Beckenbauer (7), Carl Lewis, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Gary Sobers, Jonah Lomu, Nigel Mansell, James Hunt, Nikki Lauda, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart, the 1966 England World Cup winners and Sir Alf Ramsey — and England icons across football, cricket and rugby.
In the Moment
Watch Gary in Action
Classic clips from five decades on the front line of sport. The moments that made television history.
The Archive
In the Room
Decades of access. Real moments with real legends. These photographs are the proof.
What They Say
Trusted by the Best
I have used Gary Newbon MBE many times for speaking engagements in front of audiences ranging from 350 to 1,500 people. He has always been spot on and very professional. He also has an amazing contacts book full of big names.
I have known Gary for many years and hope to work with him regularly. I have seen him in action speaking to big audiences. He is top-class, as well as being one of the best interviewers in the business.
Book a Date
Bring Gary to Your Event
Gary is available for lecture tours, corporate events, gala dinners, leadership conferences, awards evenings and private functions. For enquiries, fees and availability, please get in touch.