Former Charlton and Crystal Palace man Chris Powell awarded MBE in King’s birthday honours list
South London’s Chris Powell has been awarded an MBE in the King’s birthday honours in recognition of his services to football.
The Lambeth-born former player and manager, who was raised in Tooting, has described himself as “humbled” by the accolade.
Powell, 54, started his playing career on the books of Crystal Palace and had three separate playing spells at Charlton Athletic, winning international recognition while on their books as he was capped five times by England.
He made more than 750 appearances in the professional game before moving into management with the Addicks, winning the title in England’s third tier in 2012. He also won promotion as a player with the SE7 club in 2000.
Powell said: “I am delighted and humbled to receive the honour of an MBE for services to football.
“The game I love has given so much to me, but this recognition wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many people, including everyone at Links Primary School,Cranmer Middle School and Raynes Park High School.
“I would also like to thank the staff, players and supporters at the clubs I played for, managed and coached. I am proud to have represented each and every one of them on the pitch and on the touchline. I always thought that representing my country and The FA would be the pinnacle of my career, as both a player and a coach, but this honour is beyond myexpectations.
“Additionally, I would like to thank The PFA for all their support, and for having the great honour of being their chairman. I feel it is also appropriate to give mention to the charities I work with and represent, such as Prostate Cancer UK, Show Racism the Red Card, Kick It Out (Let’s Kick Racism out of Football) and The Football Foundation, all of whom do incredible work, and I’m proud to support.
“I would like to express my gratitude to my friends in the game and outside of football, and a special mention to my children, Morgan and Ché, for all their love and support, as well as my wife, Sophia and my dear mother, Elaine. Without their sacrifice, wisdom and knowledge, I wouldn’t have achieved half of what I have.
“Thank you to everyone in my life, along my footballing journey, this award is for you.”