I won’t be called Sir at home – Gareth Southgate staying humble after knighthood
Share:
Former England manager Gareth Southgate has jokingly revealed he is unlikely to be called ‘Sir’ by his family after being awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours. The 54-year-old was recognised for his services to football and is the fourth England boss to become a knight after Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson.
Southgate said representing his country as a player and manager had been the “greatest honour”. “I’m deeply grateful for all the kind messages and comments I’ve received since the announcement of my knighthood,” he posted on LinkedIn on Tuesday morning.
“It has been the greatest honour to represent my country as both a player and a manager for some 20 years and to be part of the game I love for almost 40. I am incredibly thankful for the amazing people and teams who have supported me both on and off the field.
“A special thank you to my family for their constant love and encouragement, though I must admit they’ve made it clear that the titles I hold at home will remain unchanged.”. Southgate has been hailed as one of the nation’s “greatest ever managers” by the Football Association.
FA chair Debbie Hewitt MBE paid a glowing tribute to Southgate following his eight-year reign as England boss, which ended with a 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final. “Throughout his career in the game as a player, coach and change-maker, he has embodied the best of English football,” she said.
“One of our greatest ever managers, Sir Gareth’s remarkable coaching achievements across four major tournaments include two successive Euro finals, equalling our best-ever men’s World Cup performance away from home and being ranked in the world’s top five for more than five years.
