A celebrated figure in Paisley sport has been recognised at the University of the West of Scotland’s winter graduations. St Mirren legend Tony Fitzpatrick received an Honorary Doctorate during a ceremony at Paisley Abbey today.
Tony’s impact on football and community life in Renfrewshire spans decades. The former midfielder and manager made a record 351 league appearances for St Mirren, captaining the side at just 19 under Alex Ferguson and later leading the club to victory in the 1987 Scottish Cup Final. He managed the team twice before serving as Chief Executive between 2016 and 2022, playing a key role in the club’s journey to community ownership.
His local legacy is woven into the town itself, with Fitzpatrick Way named in his honour, a Renfrewshire Council gritter dubbed “Tony Gritzpatrick”, and St Mirren’s family stand carrying his name.
Beyond football, Tony has worked with Police Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit and Police Scotland to support young people affected by gang culture and unemployment, promoting sport as a route to confidence, opportunity and stability.
UWS said Tony’s story represents resilience, leadership and the spirit of Paisley – qualities graduates can draw inspiration from as they embark on their own careers.
Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “We are delighted to present Tony Fitzpatrick with an Honorary Doctorate from UWS. Tony’s work has touched the lives of thousands and in some of the hardest to reach communities.
Tony, through his incredible career and life story, has without question embodied UWS’s values of integrity, respect, inclusivity and accountability. We have honoured him today for his remarkable contributions to not just Paisley, but Scottish society – his story is one of personal triumph over adversity and I know he will be a true inspiration to all of our graduates.”
Dr Tony Fitzpatrick said: “To receive this Honorary Doctorate from UWS is an incredible feeling. It’s something when you set out in life that you never think will happen to you, I’m humbled, proud and over the moon. As the graduates here today are starting out on their own career journey, one of the highlights of mine was actually the very beginning: making my debut for the Club and starting out as a professional football player. To the students graduating alongside me in this honour: huge congratulations.
“As Chief Executive of St Mirren, one of the priorities for me was to enhance collaboration with UWS as I recognised the many values shared between myself, the Club and the University and so it is such a privilege to be celebrated in this way.”
John Needham, Chairman at St Mirren Football Club, said: “This Honorary Doctorate is well-deserved recognition for a man who has given so much to St Mirren Football Club and Paisley throughout his career. Twice as a player, twice as manager, then as Chief Executive and finally as a club ambassador.
“Tony’s commitment and infectious positivity has unstintingly endured many highs and lows and inspired so many Buddies over the years.”
Dearbhla Gallagher, Head of the Division for Sport, Exercise and Health at UWS, said: “It was a great privilege to deliver Tony’s laureation. Tony has an extraordinary story, and his life and legacy is marked with the character of resilience, leadership and belief – aspirational qualities we hope graduands of UWS will share. Thank you to Tony for sharing his story which I know will inspire so many of our students and graduates past, present and future. Congratulations.”
Photo Credit: UWS