Jimmy Greaves awarded an MBE

It is with absolute delight that we congratulate Jimmy Greaves, one of our all-time greats, on being awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.

Arguably the greatest striker ever to grace the game, ‘Greavsie’ set countless records during an incredible playing career, many of which still stand to this day.

Collecting two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup during his nine years with us between 1961 and 1970, Jimmy’s haul of 266 goals in 379 competitive appearances in our colours remains a Club best, 58 ahead of his partner Bobby Smith (208) with Harry Kane now up to 204.

League records also tumbled during his career - nobody has ever scored more top-flight goals (357) or top-scored in Division One in more seasons (six) than our former striker, who began his career at Chelsea before joining us via a brief spell at AC Milan for a famous £99,999 fee in December, 1961.

Jimmy left us to join West Ham in 1970, with the late, great Martin Peters moving in the other direction, and retired at the end of the 1970/71 season having scored 422 goals in 602 career appearances.

Internationally, Greavsie remains in England's top five goalscorers of all-time with 44 goals in his 57 caps between 1959-67. Part of England’s World Cup-winning squad in 1966, he was famously injured in the third group match against France and replaced by Sir Geoff Hurst, who went on to score in the quarter-final against Argentina and then a hat-trick in the final against West Germany.

Delighted at receiving the news, Jimmy said: "I'm deeply honoured to receive this recognition for services to football from Her Majesty The Queen. Football has been my life, from the day I started kicking a ball around as a kid at home in Essex, to signing for Chelsea at 15, then to Milan, those wonderful nine years at Spurs, then West Ham and, later, my work in television and the media. There have been highs and lows, but it's a game I will always love and will always be part of me. I'd like to dedicate this award to Irene, my family and friends. Thanks for all your love and support."

Chairman, Daniel Levy, said: "As someone who remains to this day the Club’s all-time record goalscorer, revered by generations of fans across the country for his achievements in the game, we believe this recognition is truly deserved.

"The news means we end what has been such a challenging year on a hugely positive note - Jimmy continues to serve as an inspiration to us all."