Tens of thousands of Preston North End fans are gathering at Deepdale ahead of Saturday afternoon’s clash with Leyton Orient.
AdvertisementFollowing the announcement of Sir Tom Finney’s death last night the famous Splash statue of Sir Tom has been decorated with tributes.
PNE opened the club shop at 9am and from an hour before there were hundreds of fans queueing to ensure they had a ticket for an emotional afternoon at North End and Sir Tom’s home.
The North End players are all expected to wear ‘Finney’ on the back of their shirts and fans are expected to pay tribute throughout the game to a legend of the game.
Owner of North End, Trevor Hemmings, released a statement.
He said: “I not only enjoyed many hours of watching Sir Tom playing football but also many hours in his company raising money and keeping the club alive financially after his playing days had ended.
“I also enjoyed many hours socially with Sir Tom and his late wife Elsie.
“As a player, as a person, as an Ambassador for football in general and Preston North End in particular, the world will never see the like of Sir Tom again.
“My thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”
Last night flowers and messages were being laid outside the ground as supporters showed their love and affection for a man who played only ever for North End.