Doug Ellis to receive knighthood

Former Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis is to receive a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List.

The 87-year-old first took over at the Midlands club from 1968 to 1975.

He then returned for a second spell in 1982 until he sold his majority share to American businessman Randy Lerner in 2006.

"Deadly Doug", as he was known, had a stand controversially named after him at Villa Park in 1993.