University honour is a proud day for Blackburn Rovers boss (From Lancashire Telegraph)

University honour is a proud day for Blackburn Rovers boss

10:00am Friday 16th July 2010 in Football

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce was all smiles after being awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton.

Big Sam was given the honour due to his long association with the town, where he was a player and manager at Wanderers.

* Watch Sam Allardyce's acceptable speech and interview courtesy of The Bolton News.

The newly-titled Dr Allardyce said: “I’ve fulfilled many dreams in this town and I’ve given people great memories, so for the University to honour me with this doctorate is a great pleasure.”

“I feel very honoured to be accepting this from the University of Bolton.

"It was meant to be in November but obviously with me falling ill that couldn’t happen but me, my wife and my daughter are going to enjoy this day.

“I was very proud of what we achieved at Bolton and the work I did to bring in a ‘team behind the team’.

"People were sceptical at the start but I am glad to say that the majority of that team is still working in the highest levels of the game.

“It is nice to be recognised for what I achieved and I want to congratulate all the students who have worked so hard and are accepting their degrees.”