ALAN Hansen (pictured) is perhaps even better known these days as a TV pundit than in his heyday as a player and captain for the greatest soccer team of its day - Liverpool.

The Liverpool and Scotland defender, who left players quaking in their boots and now does the same as a soccer pundit, was on top form as guest of the ELWa Corporate Club.

The amiable Scot, who started his career with lowly Partick Thistle in 1973 before joining the Reds four years later, was Liverpool captain in 1985 and ended his playing days with the side in 1991 after making a staggering 631 appearances.

Mr Hansen, now universally recognised for his ascerbic asides and razor-sharp overviews of soccer games both home and abroad, spoke of the qualities that made Liverpool arguably one of the greatest teams ever, and which can also be used in business.

Mr Hansen, the 26-times-capped player for Scotland, who formed a fiendish partnership at the back for Liverpool with Mark Lawrensen, spoke of the need for teamwork both in sport and business.

Liberally relating anecdotes about past and present British soccer players, including Wales star Ian Rush, he described how Liverpool had achieved its success in the Seventies and Eighties.

"It was all about having great players, teamwork and team spirit in equal parts, and a great manager.

"We got where we were through hard work, team spirit and teamwork, and that is what it is all about."

Mr Hansen warned against complacency and advised that there was always room for improvement in sides as great as Liverpool, as in any business.

The South Wales Argus is the main sponsor of the ELWa Corporate Club, and the Newport Centre event was sponsored by UWIC and Konica.