PAUL Collingwood admits he is proud to have had the Pavilion at Emirates Riverside named after him.

The club stalwart, captain of the four-day side, has been recognised for his services to the club.

Sir Ian Botham, the club’s chairman was at the ground to perform the ceremonial duty before their one-day game with Yorkshire.

Collingwood admitted: “I’m very proud to be honest. Usually you don’t get these kind of things until you’ve died or retired. I hope it’s not a sign of them wanting me out!

“But I guess it proves that the loyalty and dedication that I’ve given to the club has been rewarded and it is in a really nice way. I’d never dreamt of anything like this when I started out as a cricketer. I’m really happy for my parents, too, that’s the part that people don’t see when you are a youngster and that is a huge part of it.’’

Botham added: “He is a great ambassador for sport – any sportsman who gives 23 years of his life to a club and is still probably the fittest man in the dressing room deserves all the accolades he gets.

“I’m honoured to be part of the announcement and setting this up and he richly deserves it, it’s great for him and his family.’’