Everton manager David Moyes has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Liverpool John Moores University for his outstanding contribution to football and sportsmanship.

 

The Blues boss, who is in his tenth year in charge of the club, was presented with the award in front of Queen guitarist Brian May, who is Chancellor at LJMU, and his predecessor Cherie Booth. Moyes said: “I am very proud to receive this Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.”

 

The Scot described how the university and Everton work together, explaining: “The club has a great working relationship with the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, which provides sport science support for our elite performance testing and also shows how football can be an agent for social change by supporting our community projects.”

 

Professor Michael Brown, Vice Chancellor at LJMU said

the university is delighted to welcome Moyes as an

Honorary Fellow:  "His ambition and drive is combined with

a great community spirit, which has proved inspirational for

all football fans, and beyond the pitch as an excellent

example of sportsmanship."

 

Actor Paul Barber was among others to receive LJMU

Honorary Fellowships this year, as the man who played

Denzil in 'Only Fools and Horses' joined JMU Journalism

graduates at Tuesday's ceremony.

 

The 'Full Monty' star promised to "leave my hat on", before

delivering an emotional acceptance speech which earned

a rousing standing ovation at the Cathedral, as he choked

back tears.

 

Tranmere Rovers Chairman Peter Johnson headed the

list of recipients of LJMU Fellowships from the business

world. Johnson received his award for outstanding

contribution to business and society and was joined on

stage by former 'Stars in their Eyes' presenter Matthew

Kelly, and Liverpool regeneration expert John Flamson.

 

Fellowships were awarded throughout the LJMU graduation week at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral. Other notable personalities responsible for the resurgence of Liverpool were given the award, including Bob Prattey, who oversaw the development of the Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre, and former Executive Director for Regeneration at Liverpool City Council, John Kelly.