THE footballing granddaughter of a former Middlesbrough manager has stepped out on the pitch to collect her degree.
Emily Neal, centre back for Newcastle United WFC, has graduated from Sunderland University and collected her degree in a ceremony at the Stadium of Light.
Her grandfather was John Neal, who managed Wrexham from 1968 to 1977 and succeeded Jack Charlton as boss at Ayresome Park, before going on to manage Chelsea for four seasons until his retirement in 1985.
The 24-year-old, from Sunderland, graduated with a BSc degree in Sports Coaching.
She said: “When I got the offer to play for Newcastle, it did sting a bit putting the shirt on as a lifetime Mackem, but I knew the opportunity meant more than the badge on the shirt. I knew I would be doing my dad proud.
“My grandpa was the Chelsea manager in the 80s, so I’ve definitely come from a big footballing family.
“He is definitely one of the reasons for wanting to do well within football, and inspired me to captain the University’s Women’s Football Team – which is definitely the proudest moment of my time at Sunderland”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here