Over the moon – New Year’s honour for Arsenal Ladies' general manager Vic Akers

A FORMER Islington schoolboy who helped found Arsenal Ladies has been honoured for his pioneering commitment to the women's game.
Vik Akers, who won a staggering 32 trophies during his 22-year spell in charge of the Gunner girls, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
Akers, 63, was a key player involved in the inception of Arsenal Ladies, founding the team in 1987.
His biggest success came in 2007 when he led Arsenal Ladies to an unprecedented quadruple, making them the first ever British side to lift the European Cup.
Akers, a former pupil at the old St Paul’s School in Dove Road, said: “I’m very honoured to have the OBE bestowed upon me.
“I had an inkling about it two months ago when I received a letter saying that it may happen and asking if I would be willing to accept.
“My family has always been supporters of the Royal Family so it’s a major honour for me to receive any award from them.”
Akers stepped down as manager at the end of last season but has remained with Arsenal Ladies as general manager. 
Beaming with pride at the news of his OBE, Akers added: “There are many people involved in this award coming about, none more so than all the girls that have played for the club since Day One in 1987, right the way through to the present day.”
STEVE BARNETT