Oxford United goalkeeping coach Alan Hodgkinson, 71, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List.

The former Sheffield United and England keeper became the country's first specialised goalkeeping coach.

He worked with both England and Scotland teams and at clubs including Manchester United - where he recommended Peter Schmeichel to Sir Alex Ferguson - Rangers, Manchester City and Everton.

He once said: "I've worked with all the top people in football and when I see people sometimes getting a long-service award after 15 years, it doesn t bother me.

"But I would like one day, somebody to say 'Well done Al, 54 years' . . . and I m still belting balls!"