Liverpool and Partick Thistle congratulate Alan Hansen on his MBE

Alan Hansen, of Partick Thistle and Liverpool fame, was officially made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to football and broadcasting.

Hansen, born in the Wee County, started his career as a rising footballer with Sauchie Juniors during his teenage years.

One of the town’s most famous sons, Hansen spent his youth career at the Beechwood club before making a move to Partick Thistle in 1973 to join up with older brother John.

He stayed there for four years before getting transferred to European giants Liverpool, enjoying a rich vein of success to see out his playing career.

Partick Thistle were among the first to congratulate their ex-player on earning the king’s honour.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Partick Thistle Football Club would like to pass on their congratulations to former player Alan Hansen, who has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.

LEGEND: Alan Hansen during his playing days. (Image: SNS) “Cultured defender Alan played with the Jags from 1973 to 1977, alongside his brother John, before moving to Liverpool where he became a three-time European Cup winner.

“Alan enjoyed an emotional return to the Wyre Stadium at Firhill just over two months ago when he joined up with John and many of the 1971 Scottish League Cup winning team for an unforgettable hospitality event in the Alan Rough Lounge.”

At Anfield, the veteran centre half went on to win the First Division eight times, two FA Cups, four League Cups and three European Cups during his time there.

He was made team captain and led them out in games just shy of 200 times, cementing himself as a fan favourite on Merseyside.

Internationally, he was capped 26 times for Scotland between the years of 1979 and 1987.

Liverpool followed suit in sending their congratulations to Hansen, putting out a statement shortly after the announcement.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Liverpool FC legend Alan Hansen has been awarded an MBE for services to football and broadcasting.

“Hansen arrived at Anfield from Partick in 1977 and went on to play 620 games for the club amid an era of incredible success at home and in Europe.

FOREVER RED: Alan Hansen (right) pictured with former teammates Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish. (Image: PA) “A stylish and assured centre-back considered among the very best of his generation, Jocky was later appointed Reds captain and skippered the team on 195 occasions.”

Following his retirement from professional football, he made a successful career in the media.

Through his work with the BBC, he was a familiar face on Match of the Day, and provided coverage for the Euros and the World Cup.

Hansen recently was taken to hospital in June 2024, with reports coming out that the defender was “seriously ill.”

Thankfully, he made a full recovery and was discharged from hospital, allowing him to earn his latest accolade as an MBE.