Jimmy Greaves FINALLY ‘set to be given a gong in New Year’s honours list with 80-year-old to be made an MBE’ in huge victory for Sportsmail’s ‘Gong for Greavsie’ campaign
- Sportsmail campaigned back in February for Jimmy Greaves to be given a gong
- England 1966 World Cup winner looks to have received recognition at long last
- Ex-Spurs striker Greaves will reportedly be made an MBE, as will Ron Flowers
Jimmy Greaves is reportedly set to be given an MBE when the New Year’s honours list is announced in the coming days.
Sportsmail campaigned for the England 1966 World Cup winner to be given a gong back in February, in the year the ex-Spurs forward turned 80.
Now, as 2020 rolls to a close, The Sun report that Greaves is finally set to receive recognition, as is fellow ’66 squad member Ron Flowers, 86.
Jimmy Greaves looks to have been given a gong with an MBE in the New Year’s honours list
Greaves scored 357 goals for Chelsea, Spurs and West Ham and 44 in 57 internationals
Greaves, the greatest goalscorer in English top-flight history, was not included in the Queen’s birthday honours in October.
But England’s fourth-highest record goalscorer finally seems to have been handed an honour meaning, alongside Flowers, every member of the victorious 1966 squad will have received awards from the Queen.
Sportsmail’s ‘Gong for Greavsie’ campaign, launched to coincide with his 80th birthday in February, was backed by World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst and former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith.
It called for Greaves to be honoured for his contribution to the national sport — with 357 goals in the old Division One for Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham.
He also scored 44 in 57 internationals for his country and played a part in England’s triumphant 1966 World Cup squad.
Greaves’ honour will also be homage towards his courage in tackling alcoholism, the support he gave to others struggling with addictions as well as his broadcasting career.
The 80-year-old has been in poor health since a severe stroke five years ago and is one of a handful of survivors from the legendary ’66 squad.