YUSU and university officials have lined up England football manager Roy Hodgson to open this year’s Roses competition, York Vision can reveal.
The annual sporting event, which is run jointly by the Lancaster and York Student Unions, is to welcome the 67-year-old former professional footballer at the opening ceremony in York, which takes place in April.
It’s understood that YUSU had used Chancellor Greg Dyke’s links as chairman of the Football Association to get Roy at the University.
YUSU had planned to announce the news at a later date but this was altered after it was leaked to York Vision by a University official.
The source also told this newspaper that both former England captain David Beckham and Queens Park Rangers star Rio Ferdinand had been approached by Greg Dyke to appear.
But YUSU Sports President Cassandra Brown said there wasn’t a chance they would appear.
Of Roy’s appearance, she said: “I was keen to have a high profile sportsperson open Roses 2015 – having Roy at the opening ceremony will be the perfect start to the three-day spectacle.
“This promises to be a new and exciting year for Roses, engaging more people and uniting the whole of campus as well as the wider community. Above all, it’s time for the White Rose to reclaim the Carter James trophy!”
David Duncan, the University Registrar and Secretary, added: “We are absolutely delighted that Roy Hodgson has agreed to open Roses this year.
“The University is enormously proud of the work that the Students’ Union do in organising the largest inter-university sporting competition in Europe. Securing the England football manager is a real coup for York students and I am sure will add to the competitive atmosphere.”
Students have welcomed the news. Jamie Adkins, a second year computer science student, said: “It’s cool to see the England manager take time out to open up the Roses.
“Would love to have a quick chat with him before he leaves!”
Marco Basaglia, a fourth year electronic engineering student, added: “I think that’s amazing.
“I think it’s a privilege for York University to be associated with someone so important in the football community.”
Roy Hodgson became the manager of England football club in May 2012.
He is a former footballer and has played for teams including Crystal Palace and Maidstone United.
President Rara does it again. All hail President Rara! Not only does she have a good low serve, but once again she continues to me an amazing York Sport President!