Footie hero Shearer praises uni research
Alan Shearer paid tribute to the efforts of the research community in tackling the risks concerning heading in football after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Stirling.
The England and Newcastle United legend received the honour on Friday alongside Shelley Kerr, who managed Scotland Women’s National Team to their first ever FIFA World Cup earlier this year.
Alan, 49, born in Gosforth near Newcastle, scored 422 goals in club and international football and is now well known as a pundit on Match of the Day.
Earlier this year he fronted a television 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 research which found that heading in football causes instant changes to the brain.
He received the honorary degree – from university principal and vice-chancellor Gerry McCormac – in recognition of his outstanding contribution to football and dementia awareness.
Alan said he was honoured to receive the degree and added: “I 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.”
Ms Kerr, who graduated with an MSc in sport management from Stirling in 2016, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to women’s football.
During more than two decades as a player, she won 59 international caps and in a trophy-laden club career turned out for Kilmarnock, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Hibs and Spartans.
She went on to manage Spartans, Scotland under-19s and Arsenal Ladies before taking over the reins at the University of Stirling Men’s First Team in 2014, becoming the first woman in the UK to manage a senior men’s side. She was appointed manager of Scotland Women’s National Team and received an MBE in 2019.
Shelley, who also received an honorary doctorate from the university, said: “My time at Stirling was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in my personal journey to date.
“The university prides itself in developing people, sporting excellence, equality and diversity and it was a privilege to be offered a unique opportunity to excel in academia and sport. The university’s forward-thinking epitomises its core values – and I’m absolutely thrilled to be an ambassador for the students.
“This is a special moment to be honoured at an educational establishment that has played a major role in my career development.”