Don't change, Sir Alex tells graduates

Sir Alex Ferguson urged young graduates to follow the example set by football greats Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Matt Busby as he was honoured by a university for his "outstanding contribution" to sport.

The Manchester United manager was made a Doctor of the University of Stirling at a ceremony yesterday.

Addressing new graduates, he spoke of the importance of retaining the values for which Charlton and Busby stood.

He said: "I've had many honours. I still appreciate what Stirling University has done for me today, making me a Doctor. I appreciate that, as do all my family. Don't take it lightly, it's a great honour to be appreciated.

"I say this standing here before you with many honours behind me. It doesn't change me. Don't change. No-one respects it.

"I've great examples of that in my own club. Bobby Charlton and Matt Busby were fantastic examples of that.

"Throughout their lives they kept their feet on the ground. They were the same people, they had humility. It's a fantastic quality to have.

"Working hard is also a fantastic quality. It's not easy to work hard all your life."