The Deepdale Stadium where Tom Finney played throughout his footballing career.
Deepdale is particularly significant as it is the oldest continuously used football league ground in the world!
On 31st July 2004, Sir Tom unveiled this water feature sculpture, The Splash, which stands outside the stadium.
The sculpture was inspired by the 1956 Sports Photograph of the Year
which features Tom Finney beating two defenders at a waterlogged Stamford Bridge ground.
The award- winning picture
Today the water feature is the focus for expressions of sympathy and gratitude
from fans and admirers of all ages....
from fans and admirers of all ages....
.......young....
....and old!
The statue is just about visible under the scarves and flowers!
I think this one says it all!
The road in front of the stadium (formerly 'Deepdale Road') has been re-named 'Sir Tom Finney Way'
When three local Special Schools were combined, Sir Tom was proud to have the new school named after him. The school, currently on Moor Park, is to move shortly to this new site at Ribbleton.
When Sir Tom's wife, Lady Elsie, developed dementia, he founded 'The Lady Elsie Finney House', which specialises in the care and support of dementia patients.
The 'Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre' at the University if Central Lancashire, Preston.
What a legacy!
"Tom Finney would have been great in any team, in any match and in any age ...
.....even if he had been wearing an overcoat!" (Bill Shankly)
A super set of images and interesting information. He was a superstar but in an entirely different way to those current footballers who hope to have that accolade but haven't done enough to deserve it! A really good posting Anthony.
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