Micky Quinn

Micky Quinn was born Michael Quinn on May 2, 1962, in Liverpool, England. He began his football career in 1978 as an apprentice with Derby County, though his initial stint there was short-lived due to homesickness. Quinn then joined Wigan Athletic in September 1979, turning professional later that season and making his Fourth Division debut before his 18th birthday. He scored 19 goals in 69 Fourth Division games for Wigan before moving to Stockport County in 1982, where he established himself as a consistent goalscorer. In January 1984, Quinn transferred to Oldham Athletic for £53,000, continuing his impressive scoring record with 34 goals in 80 Second Division games over two years.

In March 1986, Quinn joined Portsmouth for £150,000. He was the club’s top goalscorer with 24 goals, helping them achieve promotion to the First Division in 1987. After scoring 11 goals in the First Division, Portsmouth was relegated. He remained at Fratton Park for the 1988–89 season, scoring 20 league goals. In July 1989, Newcastle United signed Quinn for £680,000. He made a notable debut, scoring four goals in a 5–2 win against Leeds United, and finished the 1989–90 season as the Football League’s top goalscorer with 34 league goals, and 39 goals across all competitions. After a knee injury in 1991 and a change in management, Quinn transferred to Coventry City in November 1992 for £250,000.

At Coventry City, Quinn made a significant impact in the Premier League, scoring 17 goals in his first six months, including 10 goals in his first six games. His performance led to popular fan chants, and he received consideration for the England squad. He scored a hat-trick against Arsenal in the 1993–94 season. Following a disagreement with manager Phil Neal and the arrival of Dion Dublin, Quinn’s playing time decreased. He had loan spells with Plymouth Argyle in November 1994 and Watford in March 1995 before being released by Coventry City in May 1995. He then had a brief period with PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece before retiring from professional football in February 1996. Post-retirement, Quinn pursued a career as a racehorse trainer and became a radio presenter for Talksport, covering both horse racing and football.