Wales Veteran awarded BEM in New Year Honours List

Merthyr Veterans founder and secretary Dennis Murphy, has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List and been awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal) for services to Veterans' Football in Merthyr Tydfil.

Dennis (pictured receiving his Vice-President award from Ron 'Chopper' Harris in 2016) founded Merthyr Veterans Football Club back in 1987, making it one of the longest established veterans football clubs in the country and a mainstay of the Wales Veterans Football Association which Dennis also helped to set-up back in 2009.

Dennis turned his back on a promising career in professional football to become a teacher, but his love for the game never waned and it was whilst teaching in Madeley College in Walsall, that he was approached to become a scout for Aston Villa in 1974. He carried out the role successfully for 13 years, picking out 33 top flight players including Villa legends Paul Birch and European Cup winners Brendan Ormsby and Gary Williams.

At 76 years old his passion for the game is still strong and he still dons his boots in competitive matches with the Wales over 65s squad, playing a key role in the 4-1 win over England in 2018.

Congratulations on behalf of everyone at Wales Veterans football for a wonderful and well-earned award....it could not have happened to a nicer or more humble man.

*Did you know?
When Dennis collects his award from the Palace – it will be in familiar surroundings...his mother was once maid to Queen Elizabeth!!