This is not a one-man show says club chairman as he prepares to receive MBE later today

Chairman John Bowler has praised the ‘contribution of all those he has worked with’ as he prepares to receive the MBE at Buckingham Palace later today. John follows in the footsteps of former manager Dario Gradi, who received the same honour back in 1998.

John, who has been involved with the Football Club since 1980 and succeeded Norman Rowlinson as chairman of the club back in 1987, admits it was a surprise to be honoured in the New Year.

John told the club’s official web-site: “As far as I was concerned, it came out of the blue but I was delighted, honoured and surprised. I readily acknowledge that that this is not about me but it is about all those people I have worked with over many years. This is not a one man outfit.

“I’m delighted, obviously my wife has freed me up to be able to do all that I’ve done, bless her and it is a real thrill. I recognise that this honour deserves to be shared by a lot of people.

“But at the end of the day let’s always remember that sport has given me more than I have given sport and Crewe Alexandra has given me more than I have given it.

“It’s part of this community, it’s owned by this community and we’ve got this wonderful community programme and if I’ve played a part in that then I’m delighted to collect the honour.

“If there is an honour then it’s one that they share with me, particularly our role within the community. 

“They make an enormous contribution to the local area and I think sometimes that work is overlooked. 

The chairman added: “In terms of commitment to the local community I hope they feel honoured by it too.”