England goalkeeper, Mary Earps leads a selection of sport stars named in the New Year’s Honours List.
Earps has been awarded a MBE for her goalkeeping heroics as she claimed the Golden Glove awards in Women’s Super League and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, plus helped the Lionesses win Arnold Clark Cup and Women’s Finalissima titles.
Earps’ England teammate, Lauren Hemp has also been awarded a MBE for her performances at the World Cup, whilst defender – Millie Bright has received an OBE for her defensive efforts at the World Cup.
“I’m feeling very privileged and honoured to receive such a prestigious honour,” commented Hemp on her MBE award.
“It’s a huge achievement not only for me, but my family and everyone who loves our beautiful game. It’s been an incredible few years.
“I’d like to dedicate my MBE to everyone that has supported me in my career so far, and everyone behind the scenes for continuing to push boundaries to get women’s football to where it is today.”
Bright took to X to post that she “can’t quite believe” that she is now a OBE
Incredible moment and one I can’t quite believe ?? https://t.co/vgssjBDXd6
— Millie Bright (@Mdawg1bright) December 30, 2023
Ex England international, Peter Shilton has received a CBE for his work in preventing gambling harm and service to football.
Former football referee, Janie Frampton has been awarded a OBE for her services to promoting equality for women in sport in the UK and aboard.
Ex Scotland manager, Alex McLeish has been handed a OBE for his services to charity.
Premier League’s Senior Advisor – Bill Bush and charitable fund CEO, Ruth Shaw have received CBE and OBE respectively for their work in football.
Arsenal Chief Executive, Vinai Venkatesham has been awarded a OBE for his service to sport, as has Howard Wilkinson for his services to both football and charity.
Brighton & Hove Albion chairman, Tony Bloom has been given a MBE for his work in football and local community, following the Seagulls’ achievement of qualifying for European competition for the first time in their history.
Commenting upon confirmation of his MBE, Bloom told Brighton’s official website: “I’m incredibly proud and truly humbled to receive this recognition, and while I’m honoured personally, it would not have been possible without so many people who’ve helped us achieve what we have.
“I’d like to thank my fellow directors, our staff, coaches and players who have been vital to the progress we’ve made. It has been an historic year for the club and this is a wonderful way to cap off a truly unforgettable 12 months.”
FA Director of Tournaments and Events, Chris Bryant has also picked up a MBE for his services to sport.
Former Soccer Saturday host, Jeff Stelling has been awarded a MBE for his services to sport, broadcasting and charity.
‘hugely grateful and deeply honoured’
Red Bull F1 Team Principal, Christian Horner has received a CBE for his services to motorsport following a memorable season, in which the team won all but one race and set new records.
Speaking about his latest honour after he was made a OBE in 2013, Horner said: “It was an unexpected distinction a decade ago to be presented with an OBE and to receive this second award, a CBE, is one for which I am hugely grateful and deeply honoured.
“It is a great privilege to lead and work alongside such a phenomenal Team as Oracle Red Bull Racing and also to work in an industry that contributes so much to the United Kingdom’s economy.
“I am enormously proud of what we have achieved with Red Bull in Formu and in the wider high technology arena and I am hugely honoured to be recognised for that effort.”
Ex McLaren Team Principal, Ron Dennis has been knighted for his services to industry and charity.
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