‘Exceptional’ WO2 Andy Halliday (RAPTC) is to be awarded the MBE. 

He has excelled throughout a long and illustrious career in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, coaching and officiating in many sports, particularly football.

He is the only member of the Armed Forces to reach Level 0 status and officiate as a referee and referee’s assistant in professional Premiership, FA Cup and European matches, including the FA Cup Final in 2015 between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. He has run the line in the Premier League for 13 seasons clocking up a total of 313 matches.

Andy said: “I was absolutely speechless, and that’s not like me, when I was told about the honour, but extremely touched when I thought about all the people who have helped me throughout both my football and Army career.”

Andy’s citation states: “An outstanding ambassador for the Armed Forces, he has reached the foremost level in a high-profile pursuit, whilst maintaining exceptional standards of performance as a soldier.”
Queens Birthday Honours for officers and soldiers