Source: Team_Talk
Speed handed MBE in Honours List
Gary Speed has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, while former Sunderland chairman Bob Murray has been knighted.[LNB] The 40-year-old Speed was one of the Premier League's most consistent players and was part of the Leeds United squad which won the title in 1992.[LNB]He started his professional career at Leeds, making his debut in 1989, and he also went on to play for Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United.[LNB]Speed also excelled at international level where he became Wales' most-capped outfield player after scoring seven goals in 85 appearances.[LNB]He also held the record of most Premier League appearances with 535 until February 2009 when Portsmouth goalkeeper David James overtook him.[LNB]Speed finished his playing career with Sheffield United at the end of last season and is now on their coaching staff.[LNB]Meanwhile, Murray, who becomes Sir Bob, receives his knighthood for services to football and education. [LNB]He is credited with rescuing Sunderland from bankruptcy in 1986 and has also been heavily involved in education through the new City Academies.[LNB]Murray said: "I feel incredibly proud and am overwhelmed to receive such an enormous honour.''[LNB]Tony Carr, West Ham's academy director, receives an MBE for his work in bringing through young players including no less than seven members of the current England World Cup squad: Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Glen Johnson, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.[LNB]Carr, 59, said: "This was so unexpected - when I saw a letter from HM Government drop through the letterbox I thought I must have driven in the bus lane![LNB]"My reaction was one of disbelief and I had to read it again to make sure, and it was very humbling, and I am very proud and pleased.''[LNB]Bert Williams, the Wolves player who kept goal for England in the 1950 World Cup, receives an MBE for services to football and charity at the age of 90.
