University of Teesside honours Steve McClaren

Steve McClaren, the man who brought cup glory to Middlesbrough and is now managing England, was today (Friday 24 November, 2006) awarded an honorary degree by the University of Teesside.

Among the first to send congratulations was Sir Alex Ferguson, who head-hunted Steve to one of the biggest jobs in football as Assistant Manager at Manchester United.

Sir Alex said: “I’m delighted to be one of the first to congratulate Steve on this award. Middlesbrough made a first class appointment when they appointed Steve McClaren and for him to join your University’s team of honorary graduates including George Hardwick, Brian Clough, Wilf Mannion and Steve Gibson is a great tribute to a great guy”.

Today’s ceremony took place in Middlesbrough Town Hall and the honorary Doctor of Professional Studies degree was conferred on Steve McClaren by Lord Sawyer of Darlington, the Chancellor of the University of Teesside.

Mrs Liz Barnes, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Law, University of Teesside, read the citation and recalled the whirlwind years of Steve McClaren’s reign at the Boro, saying: “It was a period that lit up the town and the Tees Valley as silverware and European football came to the Riverside Stadium.”

Steve McClaren said: “Due to living in the Teesside for the past five years, I realise what an important role the University plays in the area. I was delighted to be awarded an honorary degree.”

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