THE owner of Bolton Wanderers Football Club has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Manchester.
Eddie Davies received a Doctor of Social Science honoris causa in recognition of his philanthropy and business success.
Born in Little Lever, Mr Davies attended Farnworth Grammar School. He went on to become chairman of manufacturing company Strix, which has established links with the University of Manchester.
The company manufactures kettle controls, cordless interfaces, thermostats and water boiling elements. It has annual sales of £70m and employs more than 1,000 people.
He was awarded an OBE for Services to Industry in 2000.
The father-of-two has donated £100,000 towards developing coronary care unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.
Mr Davies became the major shareholder and effectively the owner of Bolton Wanderers in late 2003. He traces his support for Wanderers back to Nat Lofthouse and the FA Cup winners of 1958.
He supported the club from a distance as he built a successful career, but emerged as the biggest benefactor in the club's history.
He took control when the club needed financial assistance.
Mr Davies, now living in the Isle of Man, owns 94.52 per cent of the club.
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