Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels is among a host of sporting figures who have donned their cap and gown to celebrate graduating with a Masters degree in Sporting Directorship.
The two-year course at Manchester Metropolitan University is designed to develop the commercial skill sets and personal attributes that are required to succeed as a top-flight sporting director.
Among Jon’s ‘classmates’ for the last couple of years have been former Blackpool and Blackburn football boss Gary Bowyer, ex-Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies, rugby director of Premiership Rugby Phil Winstanley and England Lionesses goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.
Jon received his degree certificate at a ceremony in Manchester.
Mark Batey, head of the MSD course, said: “The sporting director role has become integral to the success of football clubs, as well as for a huge range of other sports organisations.
“Manchester Met’s unique MSD is the go-to qualification in the field and has transformed many of our students’ careers.
“It’s awesome to see another group of professional sports people graduate, ready to guide their organisations through times of great opportunity and change.
“They will bring the skills of high-performance leadership, governance and commercial management, along with practical insights for harnessing creativity and innovation that are so essential to successful sports organisations.”