Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has joined the latest bid to see former Grimsby player John McDermott awarded an MBE.The 38-year-old hung up his boots in the summer after making more than 750 first-team appearances during a 20-year career exclusively at Blundell Park.

Former Mariners player Dave Boylen, now a town councillor, is leading the campaign for McDermott to be rewarded for his services to both football and the local community.

Boylen said: "He's still got a lot achieve and what we don't want is John to be forgotten. It would be absolutely magnificent for a footballer to be awarded the MBE.

"It would be a credit to Grimsby Town, a credit to John's loyalty to the football club, and a credit to what he has done in the local community."

Sir Alex and fellow Premier League bosses Harry Redknapp and Alan Curbishley have signed a petition backing McDermott's case.

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