John Bowler has been awarded the MBE in the Queens New Year's Honours.
Crewe Alexandra chairman John Bowler has been awarded the MBE in her Majesty the Queen’s New Year’s Honours. John will become a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
The club’s long serving chairman has been awarded the prestigious honour for outstanding service to football and to the community. He has always demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Crewe community with the foundation of the Alexandra Soccer Centre and a world renowned Football Academy, as well as being a champion of local business, commerce and numerous charities.
Alongside manager Dario Gradi, the two men transformed Crewe Alexandra from a struggling Fourth Division Club into a club capable of competing in the second tier of English football whilst also establishing such a well-respected Academy that has help produced a number of England and other Internationals over the last 25 years.
Bowler has been on the board of directors at Crewe Alexandra from 1980 and succeeded the late Norman Rowlinson as chairman in 1988.
The former Football Association and Football League Director has most recently been awarded with the Football League’s Contribution to The League award at the 2014 award ceremony in London. He was also honoured with the League Managers Association Special Merit Award in May 2013.
In August 2003, John Bowler and then manager Dario Gradi were admitted to the Roll of Honorary Freemen of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich - the highest honour a council can bestow.
Dario was also awarded the MBE in 1998 for his services to sport.
Everyone at Crewe Alexandra Football Club would like to congratulate John on his latest and deserved esteemed honour.