Good things seems to be happening a bit like buses - when one comes along, it's followed closely by others.

I have been in the Southampton area now for 34 years and my family and I have always been made very welcome.

I used to say to players' wives, particularly when I was attempting to sign their husbands, how much they will enjoy living here.

More often than not they would say they've looked at the map and it's a long way from home.

To which I had a stock answer, give it a few months and you'll find your relatives are pestering you to come down and stay on holiday'.

It is also very common for ex-players and staff to continue living here after their careers are over.

Two years ago I was stunned and delighted to get the MBE from the Queen.

I didn't think anything more could happen but five months ago I received a letter from the Guildhall asking if I would be prepared to accept the Freedom of the City of Southampton which apparently I had been nominated for.

This, of course, is the highest honour the city can bestow and I just couldn't believe it.

The first meeting I could attend was in September where the honour was formally granted and the request was made to do the presentation on the pitch at Saints before a game.

This had previously been done to the two legends Ted Bates and Matt Le Tissier.

I honestly thought it would be a question of standing on the touchline, shaking the Mayor's hand and a wave to the crowd.

But no.

The ceremony was conducted brilliantly by the procession headed by the Mace bearer with the Mayor in full regalia.

Thanks to the efforts of the football club's media department under Caaren Loten it was preceded by a five-minute film showing events in my time as manager, including the victory at Wembley and particularly moving scenes which many in the crowd remembered of the fabulous welcome back we all got the day after the FA Cup triumph.

The whole occasion is to be put on a DVD which certainly will be treasured in my family forever more.

It is still sinking in that I have been given this fantastic award.

Of course, I have had the many comments about driving sheep down the street or grazing on St Mary's to help Dave the groundsman, marching down with bands and swords and bayonets!

But the important thing for me personally to remember is that it is an acknowledgement of my time spent trying to help not only at the football club, which I have always insisted is an integral part of any community, but also my many visits to the community, particularly to the various charities.

I've never thought I was anything special but the job I have always been employed in is unique in most communities.

The association with the football club makes it possible to help out the sick and sometimes the less fortunate.

And as long as people think I can help them with their fundraising or publicity, I will continue to do it.

I said in the few words at the ceremony that I always encouraged players and staff to get involved with the people at their works and the hospitals etc because it reminds players, in particular, how hard supporters have to work to save enough money to come to see them on a Saturday.

Especially now there is so much said about salaries in the football game, it is even more important that contact is made and youngsters in particular keep their feet on the ground.

Going back to my seat for the second half of the Wolves game, I was called by a quite senior lady who said how you doing mush?' with a huge grin on her face.

That made me realise that the Geordie boy from the council estate has been officially welcomed by the Southampton folk.

I am eternally grateful to the mayor Stephen Barnes-Andrews and all of his fellow councillors for this wonderful honour which reflects on my family and the football club as well as myself.

PROUD MOMENT: The procession, headed by the mace bearer, with the Mayor in full regalia, heads for the pitch at St Mary's.

4:04pm Saturday 10th November 2007

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