Aberdeen Uni gives honour to McLeish
McLeish stunned by university honour
Published:
DONS legend Alex McLeish has received an honorary degree for his contribution to football.
The former Scotland defender was awarded a doctor honoris causa from Aberdeen University.
The star, who achieved legendary status when he played for Aberdeen during the club’s glory years in the 1980s, said: “I have collected many cups, trophies and medals throughout my career.
“And this award is right up there with all those achievements.
“It will be nice to add a few letters after my name.
“Some of the lads are already calling me Doc.”
The former Scotland manager, who masterminded memorable victories over France in the bid to reach the Euro 2008 finals before taking over at Birmingham City, said: “It is terrific to be back in Aberdeen.
“I have so many friends and family here. My car goes into auto pilot whenever I get over the bridge at Dundee – it knows exactly where its going.”
His wife Jill, 45, son Jamie, 22, and daughter Rebecca, 18, were also at the ceremony.
Jill said: “I am very proud of him. It is a great honour and achievement.”
The McLeish family this week also celebrated Jamie’s graduation from Glasgow Caledonian University with a degree in entertainment and events management.
McLeish, who was part of the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup Dons team, said he was surprised to receive the honorary award.
He said: “Years ago, I would never have dreamt of anything like this happening to a humble boy from Glasgow.”
He added: “I stayed on at school and did my Highers. But university was not one of my targets.
“I trained for accountancy for a few years, but the football side of things took over.”
Professor Stephen D Logan, of Aberdeen University, said: “In honouring Alex McLeish, we are recognising not only a great footballer, manager and ambassador for this city and nation but celebrating the qualities of leadership, commitment and professionalism that we as a university hold dear.”
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