FOOTBALL legend Sir Bobby Robson was thrilled yesterday to receive an honorary doctorate - but not so happy to don the colours of his side's fiercest rivals.

The former England manager was granted the highest honour Newcastle University can bestow, an honorary doctorate in civil law.

But the Newcastle United boss raised an eyebrow when told he would have to wear red and white graduation robes - the colours of Sunderland Football Club.

"I didn't realise it was going to be red and white, but that is all right for today," he joked.

He made amends by donning a black and white tie to accept the honour - in recognition of his contribution to the city - from university chancellor Chris Patten.

The former Conservative minister and Governor of Hong Kong arrived on crutches, having injured his leg playing tennis.

Sir Bobby admitted that when a schoolboy in Langley Park, County Durham, he concentrated on football.

But he said he impressed upon today's young hopefuls the importance of education.

"When I was 17 I was interested in football, not education.

"Obviously I realise now time spent in education is not time wasted. I suppose I have done it back to front," he said.

"To come back to my roots after 50 years and be recognised in this fashion by the local university is a thrill for me."

Sir Bobby laughed at the suggestion his civil law qualification would give him more clout when negotiating with players' agents.

"My chairman is a hands-on chairman and he deals with a lot of agents," he said.

A university old boy also received honours at the ceremony. Newcastle graduate Dr Herbert Loebl, an eminent Tyneside industrialist who fled Nazi Germany at the beginning of the Second World War, founded Joyce-Loebl Electronics and the Scientific Instrument Group.