Bishop's call for legend to be made a Sir

The former England captain, who celebrated his 80th birthday last year, has already been honoured with a CBE.

But Bishop of Lancaster Geoff Pearson has now called for Jimmy to be recognised more highly for his dedication in every area of his life.

It comes after the Cabinet Office said not enough honours nominations were being made from the North West.

Right Reverend Pearson said: “A little while ago we had someone from the Cabinet Office address a number of us to say there was not enough nominations from the North West.

“My clear nomination would be for Jimmy Armfield. Is anyone as puzzled as I am that he has not been knighted?

“His football career alone merits close scrutiny and that is only a part of his contribution.

“Jimmy was an outstanding player, manager, commentator and football administrator.”

Jimmy spent his entire playing career at Blackpool FC, captained his country and was a member of the 1966 World Cup winning squad.

He is a former High Sheriff of Lancashire, has been involved with Blackpool’s Trinity Hospice over the past 30 years, is a lay canon of Blackburn Cathedral and a football commentator for BBC radio.

Closer to home he regularly plays the organ and helps out at St Peter’s Church on Lytham Road, South Shore.

Rt Rev Pearson added: “Jimmy is not the sort of man to seek out something like this, he is very modest.

“But I think he deserves it for the whole range of things he has done.

“There are a lot of people who do what they can for the church, but I can’t think of anyone who has made the all-round contribution he has made.

“I go round the county a lot in my role and it is amazing the number of areas that Jimmy has influenced.”

Jimmy was awarded his CBE in the 2010 New Year Honours List for services to the community in Lancashire, and was made a freeman of Blackpool in 2003.