British minister backs knighthood for Giggs

A British minister and senior opposition politician threw their weight behind a campaign to secure a knighthood for Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs on Monday.

Their backing for the honour – which would mean the 35-year-old would become Sir Ryan – lends weight to an internet campaign launched in recent days by political blogger Tim Montgomerie.

“Ryan Giggs, as well as an outstanding record on the pitch, has a proud record of voluntary work off the pitch, including with young players in Salford,” said local government minister Hazel Blears, whose Salford constituency borders the northwestern English city of Manchester.

“He is a positive role model in so many ways that he deserves the recognition of a knighthood.”

Opposition Conservative Party home affairs spokesman Chris Grayling, a self-confessed Manchester United fan, chimed in, describing Giggs as “the outstanding British footballer of the last generation”.

“His achievements deserve to be recognised with a knighthood.”

As part of the internet petition, which he launched through unofficial Manchester United fansite www.mustbered.com, Montgomerie has listed 11 reasons why Giggs should be knighted, ranging from his footballing accomplishments to his charity work.

Giggs was on Sunday evening named the English Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year for the first time, despite starting just 12 league games this season.

The Welsh midfielder, who could win his 11th league title with United this campaign, had twice won the Young Player of the Year award but can now add the ultimate mark of esteem from his fellow professionals to his long list of prizes.