Pictured after receiving the honour from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle in May, Howard has been recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours List following an illustrious career that has spanned more than 60 years.
Still the last Englishman to manage a top-flight championship-winning side in England, Howard became LMA Chairman as a founding member of the association in 1992 and has been ever-central to the expansion and evolution to collectively represent managers and coaches of the modern professional game.
Under his direction and guidance, the LMA has also vastly grown its member services provision, incorporating an all-encompassing programme of health and wellbeing support, career and personal development and legal services.
A visionary, Howard was a major influence behind the eventual construction of the National Football Centre at St. George’s Park when he was appointed The FA’s Technical Director in 1997 prior to two caretaker spells as England manager.
Commenting on Howard’s achievement, LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan OBE said: “The LMA is immensely proud of its Chairman Howard Wilkinson and the recognition he has received, as someone who has dedicated his life to football, coaching and management and the LMA.
“Howard’s contribution to English and European football is immeasurable, yet the amount of respect and support he has from his peers throughout the industry demonstrates the impact he has had on a huge number of people in his time as LMA Chairman.
“We all look forward to celebrating Howard’s career at the 32nd LMA Annual Awards Dinner later this month, before he steps down as Chairman and passes on the baton to Martin O’Neill.”
