A Keighley-born man has spoken of his pride after been named in the New Year’s Honours list for his services to football.
Andy Williamson has been awarded an OBE after completing more than 40 years unbroken service with the Football League after joining as a junior clerk in 1971.
Now Mr Williamson is the league’s chief operating officer and is responsible for leading its strategic direction.
Born in Keighley, Mr Williamson, 58, went to school in Otley before moving to Lytham St Anne.
Much of his family still lives in the Wharfe Valley.
Mr Williamson said: “It has been an incredible honour to serve the Football League in my working life and I am extremely proud to have been awarded an OBE for services to the game I love.”
During his time with the Football League, Mr Williamson has been personally involved with several changes to the national game, including introducing three points for a win in 1981, the league’s first title sponsorship in 1983, the introduction of play-offs in 1986 and then moving the final to Wembley in 1990.
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