Tottenham Hotspur legends praise ex-Blackpool figure for 'significant' work following recognition at EFL Awards

In 2016, the retired midfielder went public as a victim of child sexual abuse, and has since released his book Damaged to share an account of what had happened to him, the aftermath, and the times he wished he could’ve ended his life.

On Sunday night, he was presented with the prestigious Contribution to League Football Award. The 59-year-old has worked closely with the EFL’s Safeguarding team and League Football Education (LFE) for multiple seasons, carrying out talks to academy players, parents/guardians and staff, where he bravely recounts his lived experience and the impact it has had on his life and those around him.

After starting his career at Bloomfield Road, Stewart played for a number of other clubs as well as representing England. Between 1988 and 1992, he spent time with Tottenham Hotspur, where he won the 1991 FA Cup at Wembley, scoring the equaliser in an eventual 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.

Ahead of the presentation of the Contribution to League Football Award, two of his ex-Spurs teammates commented on the work he has done in the game off the field.

Gary Lineker said: "What he went through was clearly hellish and that has to have a massive effect on you. So many young people will be protected in similar circumstances because of what he’s done. His real rewards will be the children that don’t suffer, which is significantly more important than anything he did in his football career, and he was a really good player.

Gary Mabbutt added: “He does fantastic work to go around clubs to see players, talking about his experiences.”

Sky Sports presenter and journalist Kelly Cates also commented: “The strength that must take to turn that into something that can help other kids is incredible. This award couldn’t be going to a more deserving person than Paul.”