70 years since iconic Tom Finney 'Splash' picture taken during PNE and Chelsea match at Stamford Bridge
The ‘Splash’ photograph of Sir Tom has become part of English football folklore...
It’s 70 years since the famous ‘Splash’ picture of Preston footballing legend Sir Tom Finney was taken at a rain-soaked Stamford Bridge.
The iconic photograph of Finney sliding through water on the water-logged pitch during a match between North End and Chelsea is one of the most famous images in football history.
The picture was taken on August 25, 1956 and the weather conditions were terrible that day, with torrential rain turning the pitch into a near-quagmire.
But the match went ahead, and during one of Preston’s attacks, Finney made a trademark run down the right wing. As he attempted to control the ball near the by-line, he slipped and slid through a massive puddle of water, creating a splash.
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The moment was captured by football snapper John Horton, who went on to win Sports Photograph of the Year for the action shot, showing Finney mid-slide, with a huge spray of water trailing behind him.
Despite the waterlogged conditions, he still managed to maintain control of the ball - showcasing the skill and determination that made him a North End legend and one of the greatest players to grace the English game.
Finney himself later said he had no idea the photograph had been taken at the time and was surprised by how much attention it received. The image has been reprinted in countless football magazines and books, and seven decades on, remains one of the most celebrated images in the history of the sport.