MANCHESTER City great Colin Bell has been awarded the MBE in the New Year honours list.
The 58-year-old former England midfielder (pictured) receives the distinction for his work in the community over the past four decades.
County Durham-born Bell, who lives in Altrincham, won 48 full caps for his country before suffering a serious knee injury in a derby match against United at the age of 29.
He never played for England again, though he did make an emotional comeback for the Blues - taking his tally of appearances to 489, during which he scored 152 goals.
During his years with City he actively campaigned for many charities and has since lent his name, talent and time to a host of good causes.
Even so, the man who has the main stand named after him at the City of Manchester Stadium was shocked to discover he was in the honours list.
"When the letter came a couple of weeks ago I couldn't believe it, I had to read it twice and then ask my wife to do so again," he said.
"It is something you never expect to happen. It is a wonderfully proud thing for both my family and myself.
Emotional
"Those who watched me play know I am not an over emotional person, my goal celebrations were always low key, but this honour has really moved me and put the seal on a wonderful few years.
"First of all I was named in the greatest 100 players of the last century, then inducted into the Manchester City Hall of Fame and had the stand named after me, and now this. It's incredible, almost unbelievable.
"I am just an ordinary lad, a miner's son and even now I can't quite understand it when fans are nervous of meeting me.
"I am sure the City supporters have had something to do with me receiving this MBE. They have never stopped backing me or forgotten me and that's incredible when you consider it is 25 years since I stopped playing for City.
"City as a club have always been known for their charity work and I have simply carried that on by running marathons and playing in fund-raising tennis or golf tournaments. You don't do those things for reward but because the causes are just.
"What I am looking forward to most is telling my family and friends about the award. Being sworn to secrecy is very difficult."
City chairman John Wardle today led the tributes to Bell.
"It's brilliant that he has received this award," he said.
"Colin's contribution to football and this club over 40 years has been exceptional.
"His MBE is well deserved and we are very proud that he has been a member of the City family for so long."
Is Bell the greatest ever Blue? Have your say.
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pete, tameside (31/12/2004 at 09:35)
Christian, Glasgow (31/12/2004 at 09:56)
nostalgic blue, the moon (31/12/2004 at 10:07)
O/T 1974 THANKS FOR THE MEMORYS
Diane Stansfield, Audenshaw Blue (31/12/2004 at 10:13)
V.O.R, Eastlands (31/12/2004 at 10:37)
Blue Wombrat, G's (31/12/2004 at 10:40)
Dave Evans, Zuerich,Ch (31/12/2004 at 10:55)
We had photos taken(ie they let us !), and all three were perfect hosts and representatives of modern MCFC.
For the first time in my life ( I'd met Buzzer before, but only briefly), I was truly in awe of someone and that was the great Colin Bell. I told him he was, in my opinion, the best ever midfield player to not only grace Maine Rd., but also to play for England.He was genuinely 'flummoxed' by my compliment ! I meant it very sincerely and was very proud to simply get the opportunity to thank him for so much enjoyment as a youngster and teenage City fan watching from the Kippax.
He was the best midfielder and there has not been a better English player since. His standards of fitness and skill were way upon a higher level than most, even compared to the modern game.
Congratulations to one of the greatest ! The only true number 8.....
Steve Seddon, Middleton Manchester (31/12/2004 at 11:31)
J R, CREWE (31/12/2004 at 11:58)
Ernie, Virginia (31/12/2004 at 12:24)
BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT!
fred the red, droylsden (31/12/2004 at 13:10)
Sandra O'Donovan, Galway, Ireland (31/12/2004 at 13:43)
pete, tameside (31/12/2004 at 13:56)
Peter Cheney, Baltimore U.S.A. (31/12/2004 at 14:06)
His tireless efforts on and off the pitch have been well rewarded. This could not have happened to a better man.
fred the red, droylsden/audenshaw (31/12/2004 at 14:17)
Blackley lad., N.Y. (31/12/2004 at 14:24)
mike sheppard, solihull (31/12/2004 at 15:45)
A shame a red has had to post on this. It always puzzles me why they all call us 'bitter blues' because as every blue knows we don't give a monkey's how they do. Strange, but they do seem obsessed by us though.
A sense of family, a warm heart, a soal. U***** will never rival us on this. I genuinely think their fans are jealous of this.
Happy New Year to all blues.
Dave Walker, Redditch, Worcestershire (31/12/2004 at 16:15)
Without a doubt - Colin Bell is the best player ever to have worn the Sky Blue shirt.
blue4ever, belle vue (31/12/2004 at 18:06)
bazzer, gorton (31/12/2004 at 18:23)
Blackley lad., N.Y. (31/12/2004 at 20:16)
Benno, Kent (31/12/2004 at 23:17)
My first ever CITY game, home to Ipswich 1-1 1975, The King scored.
I was also priviledged to be amoungst the crowd on Boxing Day 1977 and have seen or experienced few things like it since the King came down the tunnel. As a 12 year old i'd rarely seen grown men crying but I soon understood why.
I also met him at the Hall of Fame Dinner and you could not wish to meet a more gracious, friendly person, nothing was too much trouble unlike a number of modern day footballers.
Thanks for the memories Colin, your award is well deserved.
CTID.
Norm, Perth Aus (01/01/2005 at 04:22)
Buchan was an average to good central defender similar to sd BUT WILL ONLY EVER BE REMEMBERED FOR ONE THING.
Tony, Wythenshawe (02/01/2005 at 23:24)
A true champion both on and off the field.
If you weren't playing , Dad and I were always disappointed.
bill maguire, lara, victoria, australia (03/01/2005 at 02:50)