I'm serious.
I was listening to the Today programme and a guy who is involved in the Honours List process mentioned that any citizen can nominate somebody.
Here is a government page about the process and hints about what they look for in a suitable candidate.
Just off the top of my head, and I'm sure we can collectively improve this, I would think of these things in support of Chris:
1. A role model professional footballer who appeared to have modest prospects but through outstanding dedication to his work, finally became a full England international at the age of 31
2. An outstanding disciplinary record; (according to
this website) he only picked up one yellow card in his entire career
3. Remarkable appreciation level from fans at all his clubs ; voted all time cult hero by Southend fans; POY at Derby;
4. Served as PFA chairman for several years
5. Outstanding performance as manager in his first full time role, at Charlton
6. His overall public presence both as player and manager - how he has developed his career, how he behaves, how he speaks to the media - provides an outstanding role model for young people, over 25 years, at a time when media scrutiny has tended to cast most people in football in an unflattering light
What do you all think?
Comments
David James? Teddy -dentist chair-Sheringham?? Robbie Earle?? Mark Hughes?? Garth Crooks??
Provides an interesting bit of context, eh?
Other plus may be his impact on diversity/race relations.
Downside might be his relatively poor disciplinary record as a manager, somewhat in contrast to his record as a player.
David James has 50+ England caps and has had a TWENTY-FIVE year playing career which included winning the FA Cup aged 38.
Mark Hughes scored over 100 goals for Manchester United and managed his country for five years.
Chris Powell, as much of a legend as he is at Charlton, is not a 'legend' across the game like the aforementioned.
Robbie Earle is held in the same sort of regard for BOTH Wimbledon and Port Vale as Chris Powell is for Charlton. Probably the only real comparison of any on that list to our own CP.
It will be interesting to see what the next 5 or 10 years brings;
maybe that's his time for honours?
Meanwhile, he's already been knighted here at Charlton.
MP's are debating this issue as I write this saying too many "gongs" are awarded to people who do not deserve them and I would put CP in that bracket at least at the moment.
Unlike others I think most football people, supporters included, are very well aware of Chris Powell - it really isn't just a one club thing. There are various stories out there about the quiet things he does, unsung, to contribute to the community and to the wider game. It's these, I think, that we need to shout about if we're to nominate him.
So long playing career, international, PFA chairman, yes. Role model, absolutely. I think the community angle might be worth pursuing, and I know he's been involved with Kick It Out etc.
Thinking ahead a little, I wonder if it would be possible to get previously honoured people like Paul Elliot, say, to champion any nomination?
I will run the idea past Ben Tegg who knows him and particularly his KIO work.
Davo 55, good point about usually needing to nominate more than once.
Re Garth Crooks, his Wikipedia page says of his gong
"In 1999 he was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his services to football punditry, specifically citing his ability to bring passion to football."
and no mention of any charity work there.
So on that basis, I don't accept the idea of a gong for Chris is "laughable" at all.
"Garth received the OBE in the Queens Birthday Honours List in 1999 for Services to Association Football and the Institute of Professional Football."
Like the lady that gave up going on holiday and buying nice things for herself and her home so she could foster children.
Not a football manager on £1m per annum who throws a few bob in the tin when its passed round
Did CP pee on your porridge this morning or something?
Oh, and then there's Sir Fred Goodwin....
Gongs should be given to people with life time achievments not quick one offs as they seem to be.