Crewe Alexandra deeply saddened by the passing of Preston and England gentleman of the game

Everyone at Crewe Alexandra Football Club was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Sir Tom Finney at the age of 91. Through his exceptional loyalty to Preston North End as a player and later life president, he became a true friend of Crewe Alexandra over many years.

The humble and well-respected community figure, Finney was born in Preston and played his entire career at the club, scoring 210 goals in 433 appearances. He was twice named Footballer of the Year in 1954 and 1957 and led the North West club to runner-up spot in the old First Division in 1953 and 1958. He also appeared in the 1954 FA Cup Final but Preston were beaten by West Bromwich Albion.

His incredible talent to play on either wing or as centre-forward also saw him capped 76 times for England, scoring 30 goals and thus making him the join sixth leading scorer in the country’s history.

Due to his football career and fantastic charity work, Finney was knighted in 1998 in the Queens New Year Honours.

Simply a magician on the wing and a true gentleman on and off the pitch, Finney is one of the all-time greatest players to ever represent England.

Our thoughts are with Tom’s son Brian and a daughter Barbara and his extended family at this sad time.

The club will be holding a one-minute silence in honour of the great man before today's game against Brentford.