Hayley McQueen: The Sky Sports Anchor Championing Women in Football
LONDON, 28 January 2026 – Hayley McQueen stands as one of the most recognisable and respected voices in British sports broadcasting. As a lead anchor on Sky Sports News and a prominent presenter for the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, her journey from a production runner to a mainstay on our screens is a testament to her talent and tenacity in a historically male-dominated industry.
From Runner to Lead Anchor
Born in Manchester on 9 December 1979, McQueen’s path to broadcasting began behind the scenes. After studying PR, Marketing & Journalism, she started as a runner and production assistant for Richard and Judy. Her first major break came at Middlesbrough FC’s Boro TV, where she worked as a reporter and producer. This grounding in the mechanics of television production proved invaluable. She was headhunted by Sky Sports News, beginning her first stint as a presenter in 2006.
Seeking to broaden her experience, she left Sky later that year to join Manchester United’s MUTV, where she served as the main matchday anchor for four seasons, conducting regular interviews with figures like Sir Alex Ferguson. Her profile grew internationally in 2010 when she hosted a daily World Cup studio show for Al Jazeera Sport, broadcast to over 100 million viewers. She returned to Sky Sports in August 2010 as the channel launched its high-definition news service and has been a fixture ever since.
Key Facts & Career Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Lead Anchor, Sky Sports News; Presenter, Scottish Premiership & Scottish Cup. |
| Notable Past Roles | Presenter on MUTV (2006-2010); Host of Al Jazeera Sport’s 2010 World Cup show; Co-presenter of Sky Sports Champions League coverage. |
| Awards & Recognition | Royal Television Society (RTS) Award-winning producer. |
| Charity & Advocacy | Ambassador for the Football Foundation and SportsAid; Board Member of ‘Football for Peace’; Campaigner for brain health in sport. |
| Education | BA (Hons) in PR, Marketing & Journalism. |
| Personal Life | Daughter of former Scotland and Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen. Mother to a daughter, Ayla, born in October 2019. Supports Manchester United. |
Advocate for Change and Equality
McQueen is a vocal advocate for increasing opportunities for women in sports media and the wider industry. Reflecting on her early career, she has spoken about not being taken seriously as a young woman and the need to prove her journalistic credentials beyond her on-screen appearance. She now sees a positive shift, noting the increased number of women in senior production and directorial roles at Sky. Her advice to aspiring female professionals is clear: “See yourself as an equal, because you are.”
Her advocacy extends beyond gender. Following her father Gordon’s diagnosis with dementia, she has become a prominent campaigner for brain health in sport, using her platform to raise awareness of the links between heading footballs and neurodegenerative disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hayley McQueen’s background in football?
Hayley McQueen is the daughter of former professional footballer Gordon McQueen, who played for Leeds United, Manchester United, and Scotland. This family connection gave her an early immersion in the sport, which fuelled her passion and knowledge.
What shows has she presented?
She is currently a lead anchor on Sky Sports News and presents coverage of the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. She has previously hosted Sky’s *Match Choice* highlights show, co-presented Sky’s Champions League coverage, and fronted the weekly *Sportswomen* programme. She also co-hosts the award-winning football podcast ‘The Offside Rule’.
Is Hayley McQueen involved in any charity work?
Yes, she is deeply involved in charitable initiatives. She is an ambassador for the Football Foundation and SportsAid, a board member of ‘Football for Peace’, and actively campaigns for brain health awareness in sport, a cause close to her heart due to her father’s condition.