Tam Cowan’s comments about Gareth Southgate’s knighthood have reignited discussions about the fairness and consistency of the UK honours system, particularly when it comes to football. On BBC’s Off The Ball, the long-time presenter and newspaper columnist didn’t mince his words when questioning the decision to elevate Southgate to “Sir” status, despite his lack of major trophies as a manager.
Southgate, who boasts the best managerial record with England since Sir Alf Ramsey, has undoubtedly elevated the team’s stature, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the finals of Euro 2020, and another strong showing at Euro 2024. However, as Cowan humorously pointed out, Southgate has won the same number of major trophies as Stuart Kettlewell, Motherwell’s current boss—none. The dig was a clear critique of what Cowan perceives as an overvaluation of Southgate’s achievements, especially when compared to the glaring omission of Scottish footballing icons from the highest honours.
The crux of Cowan’s frustration lies in the fact that figures who shaped the history of football in Scotland—and indeed Europe—have never received similar recognition. Jock Stein, for instance, remains one of the most revered managers in football history. As manager of Celtic, Stein became the first to lead a British team to European Cup glory in 1967, an achievement unmatched by many who have received knighthoods. Yet, Stein was awarded only a CBE, a level of honour far below a knighthood. Cowan highlighted other omissions too, such as John Greig, often regarded as Rangers’ greatest-ever player, and Willie Miller, a cornerstone of Aberdeen’s golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson. Both Greig and Miller also received only CBEs, despite their monumental contributions to the game.
Cowan expanded his critique by pointing out the inconsistency in how honours are awarded, mentioning that even celebrated figures such as Alan Hansen and David Moyes have only received lower-ranking honours. While Hansen’s decorated career as a player and pundit is widely respected, and Moyes has had a storied managerial career, Cowan sees Southgate’s knighthood as setting a perplexing precedent. It’s not just the lack of trophies that irks Cowan and many others; it’s the apparent disregard for the towering achievements of Scottish figures in comparison.
Jock Stein’s legacy, for instance, extends far beyond his European Cup triumph. His Celtic side dominated Scottish football and became a model of attacking, team-oriented play that resonated across the footballing world. Similarly, John Greig is celebrated not only for his talent on the pitch but also for his leadership and loyalty to Rangers. Willie Miller, meanwhile, was pivotal to Aberdeen’s success during the 1980s, a period in which the club won multiple league titles and even lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Cowan’s tongue-in-cheek delivery doesn’t disguise the serious undertone of his argument: that there is a systemic undervaluing of Scottish footballing contributions within the UK honours system. While Southgate is undeniably a skilled manager and a respected figure, the awarding of a knighthood for reaching finals and semi-finals—and not actually winning a major tournament—raises questions about what qualifies someone for such a prestigious honour.
The debate also highlights broader questions about how honours are distributed and whether there is a bias toward figures from England, where football is often covered and celebrated with a much greater media spotlight. Cowan’s critique isn’t just about Southgate’s perceived overpromotion; it’s about the symbolic sidelining of Scotland’s footballing history in favour of more contemporary, less groundbreaking achievements.
Ultimately, Cowan’s comments have shone a light on a conversation that has been bubbling beneath the surface for years. While England celebrates Southgate’s achievements, many in Scotland will continue to question why some of their greatest footballing icons have been overlooked for similar recognition. Cowan’s closing comments, where he incredulously listed the absent “Sirs” of Scottish football, underscore a frustration that won’t be easily forgotten, even as Southgate dons his new title.