A former Preston North End player and manager has received his cap’n’gown.

David Moyes, who has lived in the city for two decades, was made an honorary fellow at the University of Central Lancashire.

Moyes, who made 172 appearances at Deepdale, before going on to become manager in 1998 was part of the university’s winter graduations.

He led PNE from the lower half of Division Two to narrowly missing out on the Premier League in 2001 before he left to manage Everton.

“I’m really honoured and feel very privileged,” he said,” not only for me but for my family too, to receive such a wonderful award from the University.

“I’ve lived in the city for 24 years, my wife and I have raised our family here, and it’s been great to see UCLan grow and develop over that time.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have received excellent advice and coaching help during my career and I believe in giving something back. For me this Honorary Fellowship is a way for me to help the University with areas of leadership, management and communication and for me to bring all the skills I’ve learned in my career to benefit UCLan.”

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He spoke to students during the ceremony at the Guild Hall.

In his speech he said: “I understand how much hard work you’ve put into getting your degrees and this is the start of a new chapter in your lives. I hope you enjoy your careers, work hard, have success and then in 20 years you can come back to the University in Preston to give something back to future graduates.”

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Moyes is currently the manager at West Ham United, having previously managed Sunderland, Real Sociedad and Manchester United.