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"I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive this honour from Her Majesty The Queen," he said.
"I feel extremely privileged and see this award as being not just for me personally, but for my family and friends who have supported and helped me reach my goals and succeed.
"It is recognition, not only of my career, but also of the wonderful people of Sunderland and those in the world of football with whom I have worked for nearly 19 years."