SPRIGHTLY Barnoldswick Town physio Syd Parkinson, who scooped an MBE in the New Year's honours, was nominated for his gong by leading Premiership managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Sam Allardyce.

The Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers bosses were among five people who wrote a letter in support of the 91-year-old who has been involved in football for 75 years.

Today, the two Premiership heavyweights paid tribute to Syd, who lives in Barrowford Road, Colne.

Sir Alex said Syd should enjoy his day at Buckingham Palace.

He said: "For a man of 91 to still be involved in football is nothing short of astonishing.

"His dedication, enthusiasm and kindness is an example to everyone and our game certainly needs people like him."

Sam Allardyce said East Lancashire should be privileged to have somebody like Syd.

He added: "Syd astounds everyone with his burning enthusiasm and knowledge. For a gentleman of his age to still be able to run and think nothing of it almost defies belief.

"He once joked to me that he wasn't a full shilling to be still bounding onto football pitches at his age, but I told him it is because he loves what he does and long may it continue.

"I am very proud of him and so should anyone connected with the game."

Syd organised a football match a week after he was demobbed from the RAF at the end of the Second World War.

He later started a team while working as a fitter at Rolls-Royce, Barnoldswick and was later physio at Colne Dynamoes in the 1980s.

He was also nominated by Sky Sports producer Peter Smith, Bacup Town manager Brent Peters and former Dynamo Duncan McFayden.