Trevor, who joined The FA in January this year, becomes one of a small band of footballers knighted for their service to the sport.  

"It's a special moment and a great honour," he told TheFA.com on Friday afternoon.

"It's nice for the family and I think it's good for sport in general."

He added: "I heard about three or four weeks ago that I was being considered for a knighthood, but since then you just wait to see if it will materialise."

Trevor, now 55, was a one-club player with West Ham United. In 19 years as an elegant midfielder with the Hammers he featured in more than 500 League matches and won The FA Cup twice – in 1975 and 1980. 

He was capped 47 times for England from 1974 to 1982, scoring five times. With Ron Greenwood, his former club manager in charge, Trevor influenced a number of crucial matches – above all the World Cup qualifier in Hungary when his shot for the second goal was so firmly struck that it lodged against the stanchion.

After retiring as a player in 1984 he became a broadcaster, a 'pundit' and co-commentator for the BBC. Trevor's honour comes in recognition of his years in sports administration. He was Chairman of the Eastern Council for Sport and Recreation before becoming a Member, then Vice-Chairman, then Chairman of Sport England.

"It's a lovely surprise," he said. 

" I've always felt strongly about grassroots football and from that point of view it's great that it's gaining the recognition."

In April 2003 Trevor's beloved West Ham invited him to be the club’s caretaker manager after Glenn Roeder had been taken ill. He was unable to save the club from relegation from the Premiership but they won two and drew one of his three matches.

Trevor insisted he was not interested in a permanent appointment - but he was in temporary charge again between Roeder’s sacking at the end of August last year and Alan Pardew’s succession in mid-October.

"It's funny, I had 19 years at West Ham and I've got a great relationship with the fans,

"They started calling me Sir Trev, which seems very weird now."

You can watch the full interview with Sir Trevor Brooking with us on England TV...


12 June 2004
Sir Trevor Brooking interview