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Sir Bob Murray honoured in Leeds Beckett Hall of Fame - video and audio interview available
Highly respected business and football leader Sir Bob Murray CBE has been inducted into the Leeds Beckett University Sport Hall of Fame
Sir Bob Murray has been inducted into the Leeds Beckett Hall of Fame
Sir Bob, who built successful businesses in manufacturing and property development before overseeing the transformation of Sunderland AFC as its chairman, is the latest celebrated Leeds Beckett alumni to be honoured in the Hall of Fame.
Sir Bob Murray qualified as an accountant at the old Leeds Polytechnic, and has served as Chancellor of Leeds Beckett since 2013.
Few people have had more influence on Sunderland than Sir Bob, overseeing the new stadium and academy off the pitch, and a return to the Premier league on it. His leadership extended to the national game, joining the FA’s board to help get the new Wembley Stadium on track while playing a key role in the development and design of St George’s Park, the FA’s centre of excellence.
Speaking at his induction, Sir Bob Murray said:
“There are some honours that mean a little more because of where they come from. Leeds Beckett changed the course of my life, so to be recognised by my own university in this way is very, very special.
“Leeds Polytechnic gave me an opportunity when I needed one. Qualifying as an accountant opened doors I could never have imagined, and serving as Chancellor since 2013 has been a tremendous honour.”
On his time at Sunderland and England, Sir Bob added:
“I was fortunate to serve Sunderland for 20 years. Together, we created the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light, and established the Foundation of Light. I am enormously proud of what so many people helped to build for the club, the supporters and the city.
“Seeing Sunderland doing well means a great deal to me. We wanted to give the club firm foundations for the future, but what has always made Sunderland special is its people and its supporters.
“Wembley and St George’s Park were both very special projects. I was proud to play a part in creating a national stadium and a national football centre that the whole country can be proud of, and which will serve English football for generations.”
“When I first came to Leeds, I could never have imagined where that education would take me. I have been very fortunate, and I have always tried to use those opportunities to make a positive difference.”
Professor Peter Slee, VC of Leeds Beckett University said: “Sir Bob has made a massive contribution in so many areas of economic and public life – including as Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University – so it is wonderful to be able to recognise his very significant contribution to English football.
“Every one of our Hall of Fame laureates demonstrates the extraordinary impact that Leeds Beckett graduates continue to have across the sporting landscape. Their achievements span elite competition, coaching, officiating, education and leadership, showing that success in sport can take many forms.”
The Leeds Beckett University Sport Hall of Fame celebrates alumni who have made a lasting national and international impact within sport and serves to inspire future generations of athletes, coaches, officials and practitioners.
The Hall of Fame honour board is now on public display at the Carnegie School of Sport.
A digital version of the Hall of Fame is also available to view online here:
Full list of inductees in 2026:
Alexandra Bell – Athletics
Sir Brendan Foster CBE – Athletics
Andy Banks MBE – Diving
Sarah Barrow – Diving
Marc Holdsworth – Diving
Adrian Hinchcliffe – Diving
Sir Bob Murray CBE – Football
Sam Quek MBE – Hockey
Natalie Metcalf – Netball
Victoria Aggar – Para Athlete
Ali Jawad – Para Powerlifter
Peter Latham MBE – Physical Education
Jo Jackson – Race Walking
Guin Batten - Rowing
Ben Thaler – Rugby League
Julia Lee MBE – Rugby League
Jamie Peacock MBE – Rugby League
Michael Shenton – Rugby League
Brian Campsall – Rugby Union
Stuart Lancaster – Rugby Union
Peter Smith MBE – Sport
Claire Huddart - Swimming
Sir Bob Murray qualified as an accountant at the old Leeds Polytechnic, and has served as Chancellor of Leeds Beckett since 2013.
Few people have had more influence on Sunderland than Sir Bob, overseeing the new stadium and academy off the pitch, and a return to the Premier league on it. His leadership extended to the national game, joining the FA’s board to help get the new Wembley Stadium on track while playing a key role in the development and design of St George’s Park, the FA’s centre of excellence.
Speaking at his induction, Sir Bob Murray said:
“There are some honours that mean a little more because of where they come from. Leeds Beckett changed the course of my life, so to be recognised by my own university in this way is very, very special.
“Leeds Polytechnic gave me an opportunity when I needed one. Qualifying as an accountant opened doors I could never have imagined, and serving as Chancellor since 2013 has been a tremendous honour.”
On his time at Sunderland and England, Sir Bob added:
“I was fortunate to serve Sunderland for 20 years. Together, we created the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light, and established the Foundation of Light. I am enormously proud of what so many people helped to build for the club, the supporters and the city.
“Seeing Sunderland doing well means a great deal to me. We wanted to give the club firm foundations for the future, but what has always made Sunderland special is its people and its supporters.
“Wembley and St George’s Park were both very special projects. I was proud to play a part in creating a national stadium and a national football centre that the whole country can be proud of, and which will serve English football for generations.”
“When I first came to Leeds, I could never have imagined where that education would take me. I have been very fortunate, and I have always tried to use those opportunities to make a positive difference.”
Professor Peter Slee, VC of Leeds Beckett University said: “Sir Bob has made a massive contribution in so many areas of economic and public life – including as Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University – so it is wonderful to be able to recognise his very significant contribution to English football.
“Every one of our Hall of Fame laureates demonstrates the extraordinary impact that Leeds Beckett graduates continue to have across the sporting landscape. Their achievements span elite competition, coaching, officiating, education and leadership, showing that success in sport can take many forms.”
The Leeds Beckett University Sport Hall of Fame celebrates alumni who have made a lasting national and international impact within sport and serves to inspire future generations of athletes, coaches, officials and practitioners.
The Hall of Fame honour board is now on public display at the Carnegie School of Sport.
A digital version of the Hall of Fame is also available to view online here:
Full list of inductees in 2026:
Alexandra Bell – Athletics
Sir Brendan Foster CBE – Athletics
Andy Banks MBE – Diving
Sarah Barrow – Diving
Marc Holdsworth – Diving
Adrian Hinchcliffe – Diving
Sir Bob Murray CBE – Football
Sam Quek MBE – Hockey
Natalie Metcalf – Netball
Victoria Aggar – Para Athlete
Ali Jawad – Para Powerlifter
Peter Latham MBE – Physical Education
Jo Jackson – Race Walking
Guin Batten - Rowing
Ben Thaler – Rugby League
Julia Lee MBE – Rugby League
Jamie Peacock MBE – Rugby League
Michael Shenton – Rugby League
Brian Campsall – Rugby Union
Stuart Lancaster – Rugby Union
Peter Smith MBE – Sport
Claire Huddart - Swimming
