The Wolves vice-president made 515 appearances in all competitions for the club between 1952 and 1967 as he helped the old gold to three First Division titles, as well as the 1960 FA Cup, of which Flowers is the last surviving squad member.
The 86-year-old was also the oldest player among the England squad which triumphed in the 1966 World Cup, and with his award, it means every surviving member of the group that secured the trophy at the old Wembley Stadium will have received an honour from the Queen.
During his playing career, Flowers was everything a manager could want from an attacking midfielder and was one of the key cogs of Stan Cullis’ title-winning sides.
A terrific athlete and fine passer of the ball, Flowers linked up superbly with Peter Broadbent to guide Wolves to their inaugural First Division trophy in 1954, before adding successive league titles in 1958 and 1959.
Flowers, who scored 37 times in gold and black, took home an FA Cup winners medal in 1960, before playing on for seven more seasons at Wolves to become the club’s fifth highest appearance-maker in history.
Read more: A tribute to Ron Flowers MBE
On the international stage, Flowers scored ten goals in 49 appearances for England, playing in 40 consecutive international matches between November 1958 and April 1963, with that record only being bettered by Wolves teammate Billy Wright.
Having played in the 1962 World Cup, Flowers moved to a more defensive position later in his career, and almost featured in the 1966 World Cup final when there was a last-minute doubt about centre-back Jack Charlton.
After retiring from football following managerial stints with Northampton Town and Wellington Town, Flowers opened a sports shop in Wolverhampton. While in January this year, he was presented with an FA award for his outstanding contribution to the England national team.
The full list of 2021 New Year Honours will be announced on 2nd January 2021, with the awards to be presented to Ron and his fellow recipients throughout the coming year.
