Both Roy Hodgson and Sir Trevor Brooking have paid tribute to Sir Tom Finney - who will have a civic funeral in Preston next Thursday.
The Preston North End and England legend passed away on 14 February, aged 91, and Hodgson says that Finney was a global legend of the game: “I didn’t have the privilege of seeing Sir Tom play but I know he was one of the true greats.
“He was undoubtedly one of our most gifted and popular English footballers of all time”
Sir Trevor Brooking
“He is rightly held in the highest regard and that is not just in England, but across the world.
“That he is so world-renowned makes it all the more remarkable that his loyalty to Preston North End never wavered."
Finney’s funeral will take place on Thursday 27 February at 1pm at Preston Minster with the cortege starting at Preston North End’s Deepdale stadium.
Sir Trevor Brooking said: “When I look back on Sir Tom’s life there are two distinct memories which come immediately to my mind.
“He was undoubtedly one of our most gifted and popular English footballers of all time.
“Certainly as a young boy in the Fifties, his illustrious exploits alongside the likes of Billy Wright and Stanley Matthews inspired many of us out into our gardens to practice our football skills.”
Sir Tom Finney in 2006
Finney made 433 appearances for the Lilywhites in a 14 year career, scoring 187 goals.
He was first capped for England in 1946 and went onto make 76 international appearances, playing at the 1950, 1954 and 1958 World Cups.
Sir Trevor added: “The other memory I have is of Tom the person and how decent, genuine and totally unassuming he was.
“His contribution to Preston North End and those around the North West was immense, with his affable manner and always giving time to all for discussion and debate.
“It is that combination which makes his memory so special and unique.”
Football fans can sign the online book of condolence for Sir Tommy Finney here
