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WRITE INVITE: Football fans are asked to raise the standard for North End's greatest player
Fans are flying the flag to celebrate former England ace Sir Tom Finney's 60 glorious years in the beautiful game.
It is six decades since the Preston-born international made his League debut for his home side.
Now the National Football Museum and the club have created a tribute to allow fans to show how they remember him.
A special St George's flag with a picture of Sir Tom in the centre has been placed in the foyer of the museum.
Visitors are asked to sign it to create a unique record of the feeling the town has for the legendary striker.
The giant flag will then be formally presented to Sir Tom before the kick-off of the final game of the season against Leeds United at Deepdale by four lucky fans chosen from those who have signed it.
Museum curator Mark Bushell said: "It's ironic really because he made his debut against Leeds and the final game of this season – unless they make the play-offs, which everybody hopes they do – is against Leeds.
"We are saying to everyone, Preston North End fans and fans from other clubs who still remember Tom's achievements – come in, sign the flag and wish him all the best.
"It is marvellous. Tom's contribution to the game has been so vast that we felt we had to do something to mark this anniversary. People who have seen him play say that he was as good as George Best.
"He doesn't say that himself, of course, he leaves it to other people. He is a genius, but he is the most modest genius. This is a great gesture to a great man."
The 15ft by 10ft flag is suspended from the goalposts used in Euro 96 which dominate the entrance to the museum. It will stay there until March 1.
Fans who sign it can leave their contact details with staff to be placed in a draw for the honour of helping to present the flag to Sir Tom on the pitch side before the game on Sunday, April 30.
PNE general manager Ben Rhodes said: "We are expecting a full house at Deepdale that day and I am sure Sir Tom will get a great reception from the Leeds fans because he is respected by fans everywhere. We have already done so much with the Splash statue and the Walk of Fame. But this is another chance for more supporters to say thank you to this man who has done so much for the game."
After the match, the flag will be returned to the museum as a permanent tribute.
Who was the better footballer, our own Sir Tom or Manchester United legend George Best? Register your vote now at prestontoday.net
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 09 February 2012
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