Former Bolton Wanderers star receives Honorary Doctorate from University

Former Bolton Wanderers striker Dean Holdsworth said he was “humbled and honoured” to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton.

Mr Holdsworth was awarded a Doctor of the University for his outstanding contribution to sport.

He said: “I know how powerful education is and we have to treat every child equally whether that is in education or sport.

“I am very proud to have such a strong relationship with the University of Bolton and honoured to be in front of such special people today.”

Mr Holdsworth received the Honorary Doctorate in a unique Covid-secure ceremony which was filmed for a special movie documenting this year’s innovative ‘Alternative Graduation’.

The University is one of the only ones in the UK to have invited graduands from this year and last to be presented with their degrees in person and their gowns, giving them the chance to have official photographs of their special day.

Mr Holdsworth joined Bolton Wanderers Football Club in 1997 for a club-record £3.5m.

He stayed at the club for five years and played a big part in Wanderers’ promotion-winning team.

Off the pitch, he was voted by his peers to become Chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association, a position he held for three years.

After his career, he became the founder of the Non-League Footballers’ Association (NLFA), recognising the needs of lower league players and being a cushion of support in their careers through education.

Mr Holdsworth became the record-breaking manager of Newport County FC in 2010 with 103 points in one season and went on to manage more than 100 games in league football.