Alan Shearer gets honorary doctorate.
Call him Dr Shearer from now on. Alan Shearer has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Stirling:
Alan Shearer CBE has paid tribute to the efforts of the research community in tackling the risks around heading in football after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Stirling.
The England and Newcastle United legend was recognised today (November 22) alongside fellow football icon Shelley Kerr MBE – who managed Scotland Women’s National Team to their first ever FIFA World Cup earlier this year.
Speaking on receiving the accolade from University of Stirling Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerry McCormac, Mr Shearer said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from the University of Stirling – and accept it on behalf of the team I worked with on the recent work exploring the risks posed by heading footballs.
“I am passionate about this vitally important area of research and delighted to see Stirling leading the way in attempting to address the concerns of the football community.”
He added: “I would like to congratulate all of those graduating from the University of Stirling today – it is great to see their hard work and dedication rewarded and I have enjoyed celebrating alongside them. I wish them all the best as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.”
Today, he is best-known for his regular slot on BBC’s ‘Match of the Day’ and, in 2017, he fronted a documentary, ‘Alan Shearer: Dementia, Football and Me’, investigating the risks posed by heading in football. Experts from the University of Stirling were at the centre of the documentary discussing their world-leading research found that heading in football causes instant changes to the brain.
He was recognised at today’s ceremony for his outstanding contribution to football and dementia awareness.