I hope Leeds stay up, says Dr Big Jack

Irish football hero and Leeds United legend Jack Charlton wished his troubled old club well today as he picked up another honorary degree.

Charlton was speaking as he entered Leeds University’s Great Hall for the ceremony.

He was one of eight prominent figures receiving degrees today as part of the university’s centenary celebrations.

The others included actor Ian McKellen, who was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of wizard Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings.

Asked about his old club’s relegation battle, Charlton said: “I wish Leeds United could get this bit of nastiness over and out the way and get them back to being a football team that everybody watches.

“I get a little bit worried for them every time I come back here. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for them.”

Charlton, who left school at 15-years-old, said today’s accolade was his fourth honorary degree.

The Leeds-born poet Tony Harrison, the writer Ngugi wa Thiong’O and the supermarket chain billionaire Ken Morrison were also honoured by the university today along with the scientist Professor Dame Julia Higgins, the engineer Professor David Rhodes and civil servant Baroness Prashar of Runnymede.

The ceremony marked the end of a week of celebrations of the first 100 years of Leeds University.

The university has seen more than 300,000 people graduate since 1904 including the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and former cabinet minister Claire Short.