Congratulations to Paul Elliott CBE

Former Chelsea midfielder Paul Elliott has received the highest honour of any footballer during the modern premier league era.

In the Queens Jubilee honours list, Elliott received a CBE for his work in tackling racism in football and other services to the game.

Elliott, 48, who started his career at Charlton and also played for Celtic, Chelsea and Italian side Pisa, has campaigned for years for equality in football and worked for the anti-discrimination group Kick It Out. He was also an ambassador and board member for England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

Due to his work in tackling racism in football, I have had the pleasure of working with him. This man clearly loves football, but will not rest until racism is totally driven out. He is also at the vanguard of ensuring we have many more Black managers at the highest level.

We’d also like to congratulate former England goalkeeper David James who received an MBE in this Jubilee year awards.

During this week, OBV will highlight others in the community who have received awards.

Well done to Paul and David.

Simon Woolley