The University of Bolton awarded Sam Allardyce with a honorary doctorate at its summer Degree Congregation Ceremonies on Thursday 15 July 2010.
In total, 10 new honorary awards were presented this year, over two days of ceremonies. Recipients in addition to Sam, included journalist and television presenter, Gordon Burns and Olympic cyclist Jason Kenny.
Vice-Chancellor, Dr George Holmes said: ‘Visitors to the University could be forgiven for thinking they were at a Who’s Who meeting, rather than a degree congregation.
‘The range and eminence of those receiving awards is a testament to the standing of the University and its significance to the region.
‘This is a unique occasion in our University’s history. Welcoming our first Chancellor to our Degree Congregation Ceremonies is a cause for much celebration. We are delighted to mark this occasion by honouring so many. These celebrated academics, professionals, business people and community leaders have been great friends to the University and their support is greatly valued by us.’
Allardyce was recognised for leading Bolton Wanderers to a League Cup final as well as guiding them to UEFA Cup qualification for the first time in their history when he was manager of the club.
He actually began his football career as a player with Bolton as a centre-half in 1973 and is, perhaps, best remembered as a player for being part of the side which won the Second Division title in 1977–78 to secure promotion to the First Division.
Sam said: 'It is a great honour to receive this degree, and to congratulate the students who have worked hard to earn theirs'.
'I have been lucky in my career and I have also educated myself as much I could as a coach and a manager. I built a great team at Bolton and I believe in the importance of the 'team behind the team' whether that's in sport, or at a university.
'I didn't consider my time at Bolton Wanderers to be work, I enjoyed it so much. Premiership status was very important for the town, bringing in investment. It is a great pleasure to be honoured in this way.'
 
|
