Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours List for distinguished services to football and charitable endeavours.

McLeish, 64, enjoyed a trophy-laden playing career before enjoying success in the dugout after retiring. 

The defender won the 1983 European Cup Winners Cup, the European Super Cup, three Scottish Premier Division titles, five Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League cups playing for Aberdeen.

And as a footballer for the national team, he earned 77 caps for Scotland, making him the fourth most-capped player of all time and the most-capped defender of all time. McLeish represented his country at three World Cups (Spain ‘82, Mexico ‘86, and Italy ‘90).

As a club manager, McLeish led Motherwell to their highest-ever finish in the Scottish Premier Division, won Hibernian a Scottish First Division title, secured seven trophies including a treble for Rangers and led Birmingham City to promotion to the English Premier League before winning their first major trophy in the 2011 League Cup Final against Arsenal.

He also managed the Scottish national team over two spells, memorably defeating the former World Cup Winners France 1-0 in Paris and winning a Nations League group which ultimately led to Scotland qualifying for their first major tournament in over 20 years.

“I am hugely honoured and humbled to receive this OBE in recognition for my career in football and my charitable work," he said. "This is a proud moment for myself and my family and I’m grateful to the Honours Committee for this fantastic award.” 

The OBE also recognises McLeish's contribution off the pitch, which includes helping to raise over £200,000 for Crohn’s and Colitis UK, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for this specialist support school Linn Moor, working as an ambassador for Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice Glasgow alongside separate community recognition.