Paul Fletcher MBE

Paul's career had seen him play at the top level for the Clarets, in a Burnley side that was the best we've had at Turf Moor since the 1960s. He'll tell you he was just a decent player but he was much more than that. Only his first knee injury prevented him from becoming a full international, and so good was he that the great Liverpool team of the time tried to sign him on more than one occasion.

But it is his work in the game since his playing career ended that has helped him win this honour. After a short time out of football he returned to lead the commercial team at the now defunct Colne Dynamoes, and he did such a good job that he was approached by Huddersfield. At the time the owner of the Colne club Graham White was looking to take over at Burnley and that would have seen Paul come back to Turf Moor. White's bid failed, so after initially turning down the Huddersfield club he had a change of heart.

There he was behind the new McAlpine Stadium after which he moved on to Bolton and did headed the team during the building of the Reebok. That led to him getting the top job on the Wembley project, one I am sure he is relieved he pulled out of. Then it was Coventry and the Ricoh and finally on New Year's Day 2006 he became Managing Director of the Championship club where he is leading the bid to return the Sky Blues to Premiership football.

My first thought was that Paul could be the first ever ex-Claret to receive such an honour but six years ago Ian Wright was also awarded the MBE for his services to football, and for all I know there could be more.

But this is Paul Fletcher's time, and a time for him and his family to celebrate this award. I'm sure Clarets everywhere will join me in sending congratulations to Paul.