A FOOTBALL chief executive is to be awarded an honorary degree by her former university.

Northern Ireland-born Margaret Byrne, chief executive of Sunderland AFC, is to be honoured by the University of Ulster with a Doctorate of Science for distinguished services to sport and business.

The Ulster University Business School graduate said: “I am delighted and I feel very honoured.

“To receive such an accolade from the University of Ulster means a tremendous amount to both me and my family and I am very proud to accept it.”