Cream of Derby sport and business worlds to receive honorary awards

ROY McFarland has long been one of Derby's football greats and lived in the city since the 1970s.

So when the 61-year-old Rams hero got a letter about graduation, he thought it was a hoax.

But in January, he will don cap and gown to receive an honorary masters degree at the University of Derby.

Roy made 400 league appearances for Derby County FC and was capped for England 28 times.

He said: "I rang the university to check and was assured it was all above board.

"I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen for this honour."

Roy, of Quarndon, is one of six to get an honorary degree, including a former chairman of his old club, Peter Gadsby, and ex-Blue Peter presenter Simon Groom.

They will be honoured in front of more than 2,000 fellow graduates and 5,000 guests at the city's Assembly Rooms, during a two-day event on Friday and Saturday, January 22 and 23.

He said: "It will be nerve-wracking but also very exciting.

"I have lived all over Derby and know the city well. I married a Derby girl when I came here from Liverpool and have always kept a home here – even when I worked elsewhere.

"People see me in the street or the pub and always want to talk about Derby County, which I think is great."

A university spokesman said: "Mr McFarland was a world-class player and known as a gentleman of the game.

"He managed teams including Derby County, Bolton Wanderers, Cambridge United, Torquay United, Chesterfield and Burton Albion."

Former Derby County chairman Peter Gadsby will receive an honorary doctorate in business administration, recognising his contribution to the commercial sector.

Mr Gadsby, 59, also of Quarndon, was responsible for building Pride Park stadium.

He said: "I feel very proud and privileged to be the first Ashbourne person to get an honorary degree from the university. I studied at the university, when it was still a college, and this set me on my path and future career."

Mr Gadsby started in marketing and was involved in Marks and Spencer's decision to start selling food in the late 1970s.

He opened several fashion shops and became well-known designer Paul Smith's first client. He also acquired several properties and moved into the construction industry.

Mr Gadsby said: "I have been incredibly lucky and was financially sound by the time I was in my mid-30s, giving me the chance to choose what things I did. Even Derby County was promoted in the first year I was owner."

The university spokesman said: "Mr Gadsby is undoubtedly one of the most successful businessmen and entrepreneurs in the county."

Simon Groom has been a Derby County fan for about 50 years. Mr Groom, of Dethick, near Matlock, was much loved on children's TV show Blue Peter from 1978 to 1986 but has become equally well known for documentaries.

His honorary degree reflects both aspects of his work, the latter of which has involved a film for television on the iconic Derby Loco Works Roundhouse building.

Mr Groom, 59, said: "This is a real surprise. I am thrilled, honoured and excited. Much of my documentary work has been possible with the help of university lecturer Doug Smith who directed while I researched and did voiceover.

"I love this county and although I have been a Rams fan since the 1950s, I only had a season ticket bought for me as a present this year.