According to some more reliable sources, it would seem that David Beckham is in line for a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List.

Views of this news will be mixed, and Beckham won't be the first footballer to rceive a knighthood. Sir Stanley Matthews being the first, of course.

The Prime Minister of the day gives a list of potential recipients for all of the royal awards to the King or Queen, and although the reigning monarch has the final word, rarely is a recommendation refused.

Awards given to civilians are usually given for services above and beyond those given by others in the same field of sport, industry or entertainment. Although Beckham was involved in the failed attempt to get the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be played in England, is there anything above and beyond that Beckham has done?

He is, admittedly, a gifted and remarkable player, but is such a highly-ranked award justified for someone who has natural ability?

During the present climate in world affairs, when our boys and girls are being killed or maimed every day in Afghanistan, and acts of bravery are being performed by so many so often, it sticks in the throat a little bit to think that Golden Balls is in line for a knighthood.

But I am biassed. I am a former serviceman.

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