OXFORD City secretary John Shepperd has been given a special award by UEFA to honour his 40 years devotion to the Southern League Division 1 West club.

Shepperd, 69, is one of only five people in the country to receive a UEFA Golden Jubilee Award Diploma which recognises the part played in European football over the past 50 years by people who have dedicated their lives to the sport.

He was presented with an inscribed certificate before Saturday's 1-0 home win against Bedworth United by FA regional representative Bryan Moore, who nominated him for the award.

Shepperd began his playing career with City as a youngster, turning out for their colts, reserves and A teams, before retiring from the game due to a knee injury.

He said: "I felt very humble and honoured when I got the award. It was a complete surprise.

"I was quite emotional about it because a lot of people are involved in football at our level and someone thinks my cause was deserving.

"I think the reward reflects on my colleagues as well. It was a tremendous day. I had the presentation and at last breaking this hoodoo (City had not won a league game at Court Place Farm since April 2004).

"In fact, there were two firsts - we won our first home game of the season and it was our first double, so that was very pleasing."

Moore said: "The awards went to individuals in England who were considered most deserving, the priority going to those who may never have enjoyed such recognition in the past.

"There can be few more deserving than John Shepp- erd and I know everyone at the club will be delighted that he has won this prestigious award.''

Shepperd joined City's committee in 1971, taking over as press secretary from Jack Casley, before replacing David Hurn, who resigned after only a few months after taking over from the long-serving Mac McGowan as club secretary, in December 1974.

Shepperd, who served under City's most famous boss the former England and West Ham legend Bobby Moore, said he was not intending to step down as secretary just yet, despite being 70 in February.

"I think I will probably carry on. When the league re-organisation came in and we moved from the Isthmian to the Southern League I was pessimistic and wanted to sample the waters before deciding what to do.

"But generally I'm quite happy with the league.

"I still enjoy it. I've been everything from groundsman to turnstile operator. The only job I haven't done there is treasurer."

Two years ago, Shepperd, whose partner Stephanie Coppock was at the ground to see his award presented, handed the Oxfordshire Senior Cup to winners Thame United in recognition for his services to local football.

In 2003, he was named Oxford Sports Council's sports personality of the year.