Record cap great Barry Middleton was among a host of current and former Team GB sports stars who received honours at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
The former England and GB captain was made an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hailed the day as a “sporting celebration”.
Doncaster-born Middleton is his country’s most-capped player when he announced his retirement from hockey in April 2019. The 38-year-old played 432 games during his 16-year international career, scoring 119 goals.
Fans were quick to praise Middleton’s honour, with Andrea Kulikovsky saying on Twitter: “Proud to know Barry Middleton – what an amazing achievement 432 caps for you country, but I still caught you out at rounders!!”
Mark Townsend that Middleton was a “hockey genius – lucky to have watched Barry play all over the World. On fire every moment every match, a wonderful example to any athlete.”
“Congratulations to a wonderful player. A thoroughly deserved reward for all his commitment,” added Sandra Howlett.
Middleton was at Windsor alongside married couple Jason and Laura Kenny, who were given the Sir and Dame titles for services to cycling.
The couple have won 12 Olympic gold medals between them.
Middleton played in four Olympics, eight European Championships and four Commonwealth Games.
He was made Holcombe director of hockey last year before taking over as men’s coach ahead of the 2022/23 domestic season.
