FORMER Rangers manager Alex McLeish has been awarded an OBE for Outstanding Contributions to Football, Sport and Charity Work in the New Year’s Honours list.
In charge at Rangers from 2001 until 2006, McLeish guided the club to seven trophies, including the treble in 2002/03.
On receiving the award, McLeish said: “I am hugely honoured and humbled to receive this OBE in recognition for my career in football and my charitable work.
“This is a proud moment for myself and my family and I’m grateful to the Honours Committee for this fantastic award.”
Over the course of his footballing career, McLeish made an historic contribution to several clubs and the Scotland National team.
His record of achievements and trophies in football is significant; but his influence extends beyond the football pitch, as evidenced by his considerable charitable work and community engagement.
Born on January 21,1959, in Glasgow, McLeish made nearly 700 appearances as a player for Aberdeen, where he established himself at Centre Back for both club and country.
During his time at Aberdeen, Alex achieved remarkable success, winning the 1983 European Cup Winners Cup, the European Super Cup, three Scottish Premier Division titles, five Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League cups.
And as a footballer for the national team, he earned 77 caps for Scotland, making him the 4th most capped player of all time and the most capped defender of all time, representing his country at three World Cups.
As a club manager, McLeish achieved significant milestones, leading Motherwell to their highest-ever finish in the Scottish Premier Division, guiding Hibernian to a Scottish First Division title, securing 7 trophies including a treble for Rangers and leading Birmingham City to promotion to the English Premier League as well as winning their first major trophy in the 2011 League Cup Final against Arsenal.
Alex would also lead the Scotland National team to a near 70 per cent win rate over two spells, notably defeating the former World Cup Winners France 1-0 in Paris and winning a Nations League group which ultimately led to Scotland qualifying for their first major tournament in over 20 years.
Away from his footballing achievements, Alex’s commitment to charitable causes reflects his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the world of sports.