David Moyes honoured by UCLAN

A Preston footballing legend has been honoured by his local University.

Football manager David Moyes has received a prestigious Honorary Fellowship from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

The long-time Preston resident, who played for and managed Preston North End, was recognised for the significant contribution he has made as a football manager and player.

David made 172 appearances and scored 19 goals during his time as a centre half at Deepdale.

He took over the managerial reins in 1998 and led the team from the lower half of Division Two to within touching distance of the Premier League in 2001.

He said:

Offering his congratulations to the graduating students, he added:

During his playing career, the Glaswegian chalked up more than 500 league appearances as a player himself. His professional career started at Celtic, ahead of spells at Cambridge United, Bristol City, Shrewsbury Town and Dunfermline Athletic, before signing for Preston.

David’s managerial success at Preston earned him a move to Everton where he was the manager for more than 11 years. During his time he was awarded the Premier League Manager of the Year accolade three times.

He then replaced Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United before having spells at Real Sociedad and Sunderland. He is currently the manager of Premier League team West Ham United and he accepted his award in Preston’s Guild Hall on Monday.