Another title for Ferguson

Life just keeps getting better and better for Alex Ferguson. After guiding Manchester United to an historic Treble and agreeing a new three-year contract worth a cool £5 million, he has been knighted in Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Honours List.

The United manager, who was awarded an OBE in 1984, is only the eighth manager or player to receive a knighthood.

The 57-year-old former Aberdeen and Scotland manager claimed the honour was for his family, friends and colleagues, who have supported him throughout his hugely successful career.

In particular, Ferguson, who is on holiday in the south of France, thanked his wife, Cathy, for her unstinting support over the years. "I am delighted and honoured," he said. "I see this as an honour not just for me, but for the people who have supported me through my life and made me what I am.

"If my parents were still alive, they would be very proud. They gave me a good start in life, the values that have driven me, and the confidence to believe in myself.

"I could not have achieved what I have without the support of friends and colleagues throughout my career, both as a player and as a manager in Scotland and England.

"Above all, I want to thank my wife, Cathy. She knows better than anyone the pressures of the job, and the demands they place upon me.

"She is the rock of stability in my life and I share this honour with her."

Meanwhile, Scotland manager Craig Brown was also anxious to share the plaudits after being awarded the CBE.

In a typically modest gesture, Brown, who has just completed 50 games in charge, at once pointed to those who had helped him along the way.

"I am deeply honoured, but I must acknowledge the terrific support of the staff and players," he said. "They have been committed and conscientious in their approach which has helped Scotland to qualify for the last two major tournaments and we are hopeful of doing so again."

Tony Adams spoke of his pride "as a humble human being" at being awarded an MBE. Adams, who joins his Arsenal and England team-mate David Seaman and a former Arsenal captain Frank McLintock who were honoured in previous years, said: "This is a very proud moment for me and my family."

Wimbledon captain Robbie Earle was also awarded an MBE. The 34-year-old Jamaican international signed a two-year contract extension last season to keep him at Wimbledon until the end of his playing career.

Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, he gave up waiting for his England call-up and joined the Jamaica squad for France 98. He starred for Jamaica and scored his country's first-ever goal in the World Cup finals with a trademark header after a powerful run into the penalty area against Croatia.

Knighthood: Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager, for services to football.

CBE: Craig Brown, Scotland manager; Christopher Gorringe, chief executive All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

OBE: Dominic Allen (Northern Ireland Sports Council), Julia Bracewell (fencing), Garth Crooks (Institute of Professional Sport), Michael Melluish (treasurer MCC), David Moorcroft (UK Athletics chief executive).

MBE: Tony Adams (football), Janette Brittin (cricket), Elizabeth Paterson-Brown (curling), Robbie Earle (football), Winifred Feaver (tennis), Kate Howey (judo), Peter Nicol (squash), Helen Rollason (sport broadcasting and charities), Iwan Thomas (athletics), Gregor Townsend (rugby union), Harold Williams (rugby union), James Wood (karate).