Tributes have been raining in for Lou Macari after he was awarded an MBE in the King's birthday honours list
11:19, 15 Jun 2026
Former Stoke City manager Lou Macari
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Stoke City hero Lou Macari
Lou Macari has, typically, tried to drag plenty of other people into the spotlight to receive credit after he was named on the King's birthday honours list.
The 77-year-old former Stoke City manager has received an MBE for his services to football and to the homeless people of Stoke-on-Trent, who he has campaigned and supported tirelessly over the last decade.
"The award comes with some nice words. It’s a citation and a text that summarises why you’ve been recognised with an honour," he told The Sentinel. "For me it says, ‘lately footballer and founder of the Macari Foundation, for services to football and to the homeless people of Stoke-on-Trent'. That’s nice. I know I’ve been a footballer and I know who I’ve played for and all that but when it says for services to the homeless people of Stoke-on-Trent, that’s something I never could have guessed life would have in store for me.
“At moments like this you can reflect on your life and the people around you – and I’m mindful of people I’ve been around even recently and the grief people have to endure or when you lose people too soon. You never, ever know what is around the corner.
“You don’t do things for recognition. This is not just for myself but everyone who has been part of everything over the last 10 years and for the homeless people of Stoke-on-Trent. We have to hope it gets better, not worse.”
There is a fascinating interview with Macari here talking about why he has dedicated his life to helping the city's most vulnerable people. And we have been flooded by tributes to the great man.
Tributes from the media and around the world of football
Former Stoke coach Mike Pejic: "He knew the game inside out and he knows about human nature. He always had a way of working out people and players and coming up with an answer to deal with any scenario. When he goes out onto the streets of Stoke-on-Trent, he feels genuinely for people and wants to help – and help them help themselves.
"He hates to see people taking advantage of the positions they are in. Hate is a strong word but it’s true. He stands up for people. I am proud of him, like we all are, that he has got this MBE but he doesn’t do what he does for an award, he does it because of what’s in his soul."
Former Man Utd teammate Gordon Hill: “To me that is a consolation. He should have been knighted for his work, if Beckham, and Southgate get it so should Lou. shows me not what you know but who.”
The Sentinel: "It would have been impossible to predict the impact that Lou Macari would have on Stoke City and the city of Stoke-on-Trent back in the spring of 1991 when the club was at its lowest ebb and he was sleeping in an office in Birmingham.
"Macari has been awarded an MBE and plenty of people in the Potteries wouldn’t just say about time but argue that he probably deserves a knighthood, if not a sainthood."
Stoke City: "A man whose positive influence on our city can never be understated. While his mission has never been about personal acclaim, all at Stoke City are thrilled to see Lou Macari recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List."
Manchester United: "Lou Macari MBE. Our former winger has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours for his work to tackle homelessness and services to football. Congratulations from everybody at United."
Swindon Town: "A huge congratulations to Lou Macari on being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to football and homeless people in Stoke-on-Trent."
Largs Thistle manager John Crawford: “He grew up in Largs, there’s a great connection, and he’s had a terrific football career with Celtic and Manchester United. Over the years, what he has done there is remarkable. He has had to overcome some very difficult times in his own personal life and put so much in to make a difference.
"I am absolutely delighted. I just think it is a fantastic thing and that is someone who thoroughly deserves it – someone with a huge heart and helping so many people.”
Radio Stoke veteran Graham McGarry: "Well deserved long long overdue. Congratulations Lou."
Mike Parry: "Thoroughly well deserved.. Lou's always been one of the most genuine people amongst us .. whether talking football or in his tireless work for those less fortunate than himself."
Daily Mail columnist Gary Keown: "Ten years on from opening up his HQ to help the homeless in Stoke-on-Trent, the MBE just announced for Lou Macari in the King’s Birthday Honours List is long overdue.
"The 77-year-old has been a force of nature since leaning on an ex-journalist pal in the local council all those years ago and securing vacant premises he could use to get his hugely successful Macari Centre up and running.
"A two-time manager of Stoke City, he had been alerted by discussions among local councillors over the issue of rough sleepers and went onto the streets himself to get a handle on just how bad things were. He wasn’t just shocked. He was determined to do something about it. And he has."
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Tributes from Stoke City fans and Sentinel readers
Lesley Evans: "The world needs more Lou Macaris. Well deserved honour."
Jean Beresford: "Brilliant news. He has worked so hard for his charities."
Paul Bosson: "Saved us from oblivion, did Lou."
Steve Lodey: "Should be Sir Lou, but congratulations."
Peter Brown: "A legend, Mr Macari."
Bob Greensmith: "That man is a total Stoke-on-Trent legend. I've got nothing by top respect for him. From Stoke manager to a homeless angel."
Paul Amison: "Sir Lou the best of the best, What a legend ,you are the pride of Stoke-on-Trent."
Bryan Shenton: "Nothing less than Sir. Wonderful man."
Mike Moreton: "What a player what a manager, what a top, top bloke."
Priscilla Bayliss: "Not before time! Such a wonderful man. Full of admiration for him."
Paul Johnson: "Congratulations Mr Macari. Well deserved recognition for his tremendous work within our city."
Susan Wright: "Absolute saint. No gong needed he knows the respect and love he gets from folk in Stoke."
Sean Whalley: "Congratulations Lou Macari and about time to. Well deserved . One of the nice guys "
Diane Kemp: "Top man and a pleasure to talk to."
Paul Higs: "Lou Macari is a great man. Loved and respected in the Potteries."
Craig Whalley: "Congratulations Lou. You're doing a great job and your commitment is unbelievable."
Angela Smith: "Congratulations to Lou Macari. Gets a well deserved MBE 'for services to football and to homeless people in Stoke-on-Trent."
James O'Hara: "A privilege to have filmed with him on a number of occasions for BBC Breakfast. And the manager of my favourite Stoke City team in the 90s."
Group 2 Homeless Outreach: "Fantastic work. Thank you for everything you do."
Some supporters had dusted off a messasge from Andy Burnham from a visit to Stoke-on-Trent last year which said: "Lou Macari will always be a legend for many in Greater Manchester but his dedication to tackling homelessness in Stoke over the last decade deserves national recognition. Great to be able to stop by and show him our appreciation."
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