Ellis given knighthood

Former Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis has been knighted in the New Year Honours List for his services to charity work.

The entrepreneur, who had two spells at Villa totalling 35 years and infamously became known as 'Deadly Doug' for his reputation for sacking managers, has invested heavily in community and charitable projects in the west midlands.

Cheshire-born Ellis, who stepped down as Villa chairman in 2006, said: "I'm delighted and humbled by the honour. I'm so humble I can't believe. Everyone calls me Doug so I guess I'll be called Sir Doug now."

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