3/1 To Win
Popular former Derby County defender Chris Powell is among the footballing names to be recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List for 2024.
Powell, who is now 54 and on the coaching staff at Sheffield Wednesday, has been named an MBE after a celebrated career of playing and coaching across multiple clubs, while he also played for England at international level.
He joined the Rams from Southend United midway through the 1995/96 season and he contributed heavily towards Derby’s promotion to the top flight and subsequent retention of their Premier League status under the late Jim Smith.
He quickly became a fans’ favourite and in Derby’s final season at the Baseball Ground, in 1996/97, he was crowned as the Jack Stamps Player of the Year winner for his dependable displays at left-back.
Powell made 101 appearances for Derby in total, scoring twice, before leaving to join Charlton Athletic in the summer of 1998.
Both of his Derby goals came in the 1997/98 campaign against Everton in the Premier League and Southampton in the FA Cup at Pride Park Stadium.
The goal against Everton, in a 3-1 victory, is a standout moment for the popular former Rams as he opened his account for a club with a cool finish past Neville Southall in front of the North Stand.
He returned for a spell on the coaching staff in 2016/17 under Nigel Pearson and Steve McClaren. He also oversaw two games in interim charge, a 2-0 victory at Cardiff City and a 1-1 draw at Reading, following Pearson’s departure and left the club in March 2017.
“I am delighted and humbled to receive the honour of an MBE for services to football,” said Powell.
“The game I love has given so much to me, but this recognition wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many people, including everyone at Links Primary School, Cranmer Middle School and Raynes Park High School.
“I would also like to thank the staff, players and supporters at the clubs I played for, managed and coached. I am proud to have represented each and every one of them on the pitch and on the touchline. I always thought that representing my country and The FA would be the pinnacle of my career, as both a player and a coach, but this honour is beyond my expectations.
“Additionally, I would like to thank The PFA for all their support, and for having the great honour of being their Chairman. I feel it is also appropriate to give mention to the charities I work with and represent, such as Prostate Cancer UK, Show Racism the Red Card, Kick It Out (Let’s Kick Racism out of Football) and The Football Foundation, all of whom do incredible work, and I’m proud to support.
“I would like to express my gratitude to my friends in the game and outside of football, and a special mention to my children, Morgan and Ché, for all their love and support, as well as my wife, Sophia and my dear mother, Elaine. Without their sacrifice, wisdom and knowledge, I wouldn’t have achieved half of what I have.
“Thank you to everyone in my life, along my footballing journey, this award is for you.”
