The life story of one of England’s greatest ever footballers is to be told in a new exhibition opening at Preston’s National Football Museum.
Local Hero: Football Legend, Sir Tom Finney opens to visitors on Saturday 28 March and pays tribute to the footballing genius of Sir Tom, who famously played for Preston North End for his entire career. Objects, many never seen in public before and on display together for the first time, have been gathered from footballers, friends, family and fans.
Museum Manager David Pearson said ‘As one of England’s greatest ever footballers an exhibition dedicated to Tom Finney is long overdue. As we’re based in Preston, the club that Tom was loyal to for all of his playing career, it’s fitting that we should be honouring him in this way. As one of our Vice Presidents and an inaugural member of our Hall of Fame, Sir Tom is extremely supportive of the Museum and this is our way of thanking him.’
‘This exhibition will appeal to football fans everywhere, not just Preston fans. It tells the story of a true footballer, a gentleman and a family man. Tom’s family have kindly contributed objects from their own collection including his ‘This is Your Life Book’ and a signed photograph to Tom from Field Marshall Montgomery. Montgomery who was Tom’s commander during the Second World War. He sent him the photograph and a message after watching him score against Scotland in 1948. There’s also an incredibly life like cross-stitch image of Sir Tom which took over 500 hours to complete. His life outside football is also included and objects from his successful plumbing business are included such as receipts and a blow lamp brought for one his employees in the 1960’s. Of course the exhibition wouldn’t be complete without objects from his football career and his shirt from the 1954 Cup Final is on display along with two of his England caps.’ MORE
Local Hero: Football Legend, Sir Tom Finney opens to the public on Saturday 28 March at 10.00am. Admission is Free at the National Football Museum.
Comments