'˜Walk of Fame' tribute for legendary Sir Tom

The former North End great – who died three years ago – has featured prominently on the world’s first ever Football Walk of Fame at the National Football Museum, in Manchester.

Launched last summer and illustrated by renowned sports artist Paul Trevillion, the ‘Walk of Fame’ permanently immortalises many of the game’s greatest ever players. To celebrate and mark Finney’s place on the museum’s unique feature, a plaque will be presented to the club and his family at half-time during North’s Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers.

A one-club man, Finney made 433 appearances, scoring 187, goals for North End and also represented England on 76 occasions where he found the back of the net 30 times.

National Football Museum director Kevin Haygarth, said: “I am sure had Sir Tom been here today he would have dedicated this honour to everyone in Preston.

“Arguably, he was the most talented player of his era and it is our honour to include him among the other legends who have made the Walk of Fame so far.”

Chief Executive of PNE John Kay said: ”Sir Tom was a special player but he was special because he was one of the people.

“It is as big an honour for Preston to receive this on behalf of Tom.

“It’s as if we’ve won this special award ourselves.”

The plaque will reside in the main reception area of the Sir Tom Finney Stand at Deepdale.