Watford FC ‘s legendary striker Luther Blissett has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire.
Blissett has been credited and recognised for his community work and his fight to tackle discrimination and abuse in modern day football. The former Watford FC striker also has a stand named after him at Vicarage Road.
Back in March this year, Blissett was awarded the ‘freedom of Watford’. At the time, Watford Mayor Peter Taylor said: “If anyone deserves to have the honour of freedom of the borough, it is Luther Blissett.”
Blissett said he was overwhelmed. “From the age of 17, I played for Watford FC, I was their first full England cap and won a golden boot for Europe,” he said.
“But what made that time even more special was our town and the wonderful golden-hearted people in it. My football family right here in Watford.”
The University of Hertfordshire held its graduation ceremony at St Albans Abbey with the Watford FC legend awarded an honorary doctorate in his name.
Education is everything!
Proud to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by @UniofHerts for my playing career @England @WatfordFC For my community work & working to educate & stop discrimination & abuse. 🙏🏾 Mum would be so proud ❤️ #fallforward #thankyouGT For all of you #bebold 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/as9cbUcGxl— Luther Blissett 💙 (@LBliss8) September 3, 2021
During his time at Watford FC, Luther Blissett played over 500 times for the Hornets from 1975-1993 scoring an incredible 186 goals. He was instrumental in helping the team reach the first division, now called the Premier League.
After becoming a household name in Watford, and a fan-favourite at Vicarage Road, he then became the first black player ever to score a hat-trick for England’s national team.
Luther Blissett Tweeted: “Education is everything! Proud to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by @UniofHerts for my playing career @England @WatfordFC For my community work & working to educate & stop discrimination & abuse. Mum would be so proud #fallforward #thankyouGT For all of you.”
Watford FC proudly replied: “Congrats, Luther”.
