Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace says he is 'honoured' to have been recognised with a British Empire Medal in the Queen's Honours List this week for services to football and to the community of Hertfordshire.

Wallace, a successful businessman and CEO of Lamex Food Group, first became involved in football in 1991 when he became chairman of Borehamwood FC, before purchasing a 90 per cent holding in Stevenage in 1999 to become chairman, just days prior to the club potentially closing.

Since taking ownership, the club's rise has been impressive, winning promotion to the Football League for the first time in its history in 2010, the building of training grounds at Shephalbury Park in 2002 and Bragbury End in 2013, as well as the gradual upgrade of the stadium over 20 years, culminating in the new £2 million North Stand in 2019.

Wallace was responsible for the founding of Stevenage FC Foundation in 2010, which has touched countless lives in the community since being set-up, in addition to the club's response to Covid - the Coronavirus Community Careline - which won admirers across the nation and resulted in the club being held in such high esteem throughout Hertfordshire.

"I am honoured to have been recognised by the Queen in her annual honours list for services to football and the people of Hertfordshire," Wallace said. "It is very humbling to receive this award but it's just as important to receive recognition for the community work we do as it's a huge part of the football club.

"That would not have been possible without everyone at Stevenage FC and the foundation who continue to go above and beyond to help people in their time of need.

"I am also deeply appreciative of all those that have worked so hard over the years to make the club better."