FINNEY FACTFILE:

1922: Born in a house just minutes from Deepdale.

1942: Signed up to the Royal Armoured Corps in

1942, fighting in Egypt and later as tank driver to help liberate Italy.

1946: Signed for North End – would have signed earlier but wanted to complete plumbing apprenticeship to work in the family business, leading to the nickname, the Preston Plumber. Made Preston debut in August and 28 days later made his England debut.

1950: Went to Brazil with England, first of his three World Cups.

1954: Named Footballer of the Year and made his only FA Cup final appearance, in a 3-2 defeat by West Brom.

1957: Named Footballer of the Year for a second time and the first to win it twice.

1958: Last England appearance. Jointly held scoring record with Vivian Woodward and Nat Lofthouse on 30 until they were overtaken by Bobby Charlton in 1963.

1960: Retired from playing because of a groin problem

1998: Had an OBE since 1961 but he was knighted at Buckingham Palace.

2004: Unveiled statue The Splash outside Deepdale, depicting him beating two defenders at a waterlogged Stamford Bridge. PRESTON

(1946-1960): League apps: 433 League goals: 187 FA Cup apps: 40 FA Cup goals: 23 HONOURS First Division: Runnersup 1952-53, 1957-58 Second Division: Champions 1950-51 FA Cup: Runners-up

1954 Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year: 1954, 1957 ENGLAND

(1946-1958) Caps: 76 Goals: 30