Steven Gerrard receives his honour from JMU

A LIVERPOOL footballing hero was honoured yesterday for his contribution to the game, and his home city.

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool Football Club captain and midfielder, received an honorary fellowship from John Moores University at the Anglican Cathedral.

Wearing a blue cap and gown, Gerrard picked up his scroll alongside popular entertainer Richard Stilgoe.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Brown welcomed Gerrard on stage as an epitome of everything good about British football.

Praising him for his philosophy to dream, plan and achieve, Prof Brown outlined Gerrard’s career from a school boy on the Bluebell Estate, Whiston, to England footballer.

As a pupil at Cardinal Heenan, Gerrard excelled in all sports including short tennis, javelin and athletics and joined Liverpool FC at the age of nine.

Addressing the packed cathedral, including his wife Alex Curran, a nervous Gerrard said he was not used to public speaking, but made a short speech without notes.

He said: “It’s a real privilege to be here today.

“Without my team-mates at LFC this wouldn’t be possible.

“We’ve done a lot of things as a team and a lot wouldn’t have happened without my team-mates.

“I’m really proud of Liverpool and I try and do the best for the city and I promise to continue to do that.

“I want to congratulate all the graduates here today, the day belongs to you guys not me.