Chris Kamara thanks fans after going from ‘the scruffy kid from the Boro’ to MBE

Hometown hero and football favourite Chris Kamara is celebrating after the self-proclaimed “scruffy kid from the Boro” was told he will be awarded an MBE.

The former Sky Sports football commentator and ex-pro footballer Kammy commended supporters after being recognised for his work in football, anti-racism and charity. Kammy started out as a footballer and played for his boyhood club Middlesbrough before moving onto management and then embarking on a 24-year career on Sky Sports as a pundit.

He then teamed up with fellow Teessider, Hartlepool’s Jeff Stelling and the pair shared many hilarious moments working together over the years, with Kammy coining his now iconic catchphrase ‘unbelievable Jeff!’

READ MORE: Lioness Beth Mead and pundit Chris Kamara lead Teessiders recognised in New Year Honours

In May this year, the 65-year-old announced that he would be leaving Sky Sports news after a stint spanning almost three decades, as he had been diagnosed with Apraxia, a neurological disorder which means he has difficulty in speaking. He opened up about his diagnosis on the Diary of a CEO Podcast where he called himself a ‘fraud’ – which Boro fans responded by revealing a banner during one of their home games which said ‘ You’re not a fraud, you’re unbelievable Kammy.’

He has also been a prominent campaigner against racism, working with Show Racism The Red Card for more than 20 years. He previously spoke about his own battles with racism in the game.

The Teessider is now thanking fans after being recognised in King Charles’ first New Year Honours List. Following the announcement Kammy made a heartfelt post on Twitter.

He said: “The scruffy kid from the Boro would like to thank everyone for the support that you have all given me. You really are unbelievable.”

Kammy will meet King Charles or one of his representatives to pick up his MBE in 2023.

Others to be awarded in the list include:

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