Alan Hansen, the former Liverpool and Scotland defender, was honored with an MBE at a ceremony at Windsor Castle today, March 18.
The Reds legend and now-retired Match of the Day pundit were formally recognized as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to football and broadcasting. Hansen, who joined Liverpool from Partick Thistle in 1977, is celebrated for his illustrious career at Anfield, where he made 620 appearances.
His trophy haul includes three European Cups, eight league titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups. Now 69 and residing in Southport, Hansen was discharged from hospital last June after Liverpool announced he had been “seriously ill.”
Regarded by many as possibly the greatest defender in Liverpool’s history, Hansen’s record speaks for itself. Over 13 seasons, he scored 19 goals and won 25 honors, including eight league championships and three European Cups.
The former Scotland international, who earned 26 caps for his country, served as Liverpool’s club captain from 1985 until his retirement due to a knee injury in March 1991. This came just a month after his close friend Kenny Dalglish had resigned as Reds manager.
During his tenure as captain, Liverpool clinched its first and so far only league and FA Cup double in 1986. It also secured further title wins in 1988 and 1990 and the FA Cup in 1989, when Everton were defeated in the final the month following the Hillsborough disaster.
Hansen chose not to pursue a managerial career after his football days, instead becoming a renowned television pundit. His expertise shone on Sky and later the BBC, where he spent 22 years as their leading football analyst, culminating in his retirement after the 2014 World Cup final.
