ALAN Hodgkinson says he is "deeply honoured" to have been awarded the MBE in the New Year's Honours' list - and is delighted that it has come while he is at Oxford United.

The 71-year-old goalkeeping coach, who has been recognised for his outstanding service to football over 55 years, told the Oxford Mail that he was very fortunate as a player, and had always wanted to give something back to the game he loves.

Said the former Sheffield United and England keeper: "I'm very lucky that I've had a great career of 20 years playing when I never got injured, so I wanted to become a coach to give a lot back to football and to goalkeepers in general.

"I've worked with some wonderful goalies - Schmeichel, Southall, Shilton, Seaman . . . you name them, I've worked with them.

"And all those coaches at the Premiership clubs I've coached as goalkeepers, like Tony Coton at Man Utd, Chris Woods at Everton, Seamus McDonagh at Villa, and many, many more, I'm proud of that, and proud of football in general because football people are my kind of people."

Hodgkinson, who was informed of the award in November, admitted he had found it very hard keeping it quiet from those around him - especially Billy Turley and Barry Quinn, whom he travels in with every day from Coventry.

"They said 'how on earth have you kept that from us all this time?' and I replied 'with great difficulty!' He added: "It's a very proud day for me and I'm very honoured, and very pleased that it's happened while I'm at Oxford United.

"I think the world of not only the club, but the supporters, and I've made many friends."

Players and staff from both Oxford United and Kidderminster gave the Yorkshireman a great ovation when he came out onto the pitch before kick-off at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

He didn't celebrate on Saturday evening, but held a big family get-together at his home yesterday lunchtime.

"Even family members didn't know beforehand," he said. "They told me five weeks ago and it was an awesome task to keep it quiet!"

A reminder of how long Hodgkinson has graced the English game came on Christmas Day during the Queen's Speech.

"I watched television this week and it was the Queen doing the first speech in black and white in 1957," he said. "I played for England that year.

"I'm very often asked about longevity. To me, longevity is down to enjoying what you're doing, and I enjoy what I'm doing."

Asked whether he didn't fancy putting his feet up yet, rather than belting balls 25 yards to test out Billy Turley and Sam Warrell, 'Hodgy' replied: "No, I'll be 130 by then!

"People say it's a funny old game but it's not a game, it's an industry, like the car industry or any other, and I'm very proud to be in that industry and hopefully for a few more years yet."

United manager Darren Patterson said: "I don't think people realise . . . he's a proper legend, not only here, but within the game.

"Everywhere you go, he's been there, seen it and done it, and we're all proud and privileged to work with the man.

"He was very humbled by a magnificent reception he got from our fans that will live long in his memory. He didn't want that, we had to organise it for him and we're very proud of him and are delighted he's here."