Crystal PalaceLevel Playing Field Patron Roy Hodgson CBE, has received the Freedom of the City of London at Guildhall, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to football.
Everyone else at Level Playing Field would like to congratulate Roy on the honour, after he was nominated for the Freedom by elected Members of the City of London Corporation, Alderman Gregory Jones KC, and Alderman Sir David Wootton.
Croydon born-and-raised and a Crystal Palace fan since childhood, Hodgson began his playing career in the youth ranks of the club before eventually managing them in the Premier League on two occasions. The former England manager has also managed 22 domestic teams – including Liverpool, Watford, Inter Milan, and FC Copenhagen – in eight countries.
The 75-year-old became a Paton of Level Playing Field in November and was responsible for the launch of the charity’s ‘Unite For Access’ film in February.
Speaking after his Freedom ceremony, Hodgson said: “It is wonderful to be awarded the Freedom of the City of London. I am very proud of the city in which I was born and, although I am lucky enough for my career to have taken me to many corners of the world, London will always be my home.
“It is a proud honour for myself and my family, and one for which I am very grateful.”
One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237. As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
Ebony Rainford-Brent, Roland Butcher, Michael Holding, Eoin Morgan, and most recently, Harry Kane, are among leading figures in sport who have received the Freedom.