Sir Tom Finney

Tom Finney has died, at the age of 91. I believe that had he been born around 1990 he would be receiving the acclaim (and money!) now given to Messi and Ronaldo. He was that great. More like Ronaldo in that he could use either foot and was a fine header as well but he ran with the ball more like Messi in terms of close control at speed. He was also, alas, among the last of a dying breed; a classic, old-style Lancastrian, like Brian Statham. I never had  the fortune to meet Sir Tom but, from every account I have ever read, he was in the mold of men of my dad's generation; utterly honest, straightforward and humble. I did see him play once, though, and I still see him in my mind's eye. He scored twice for Preston, his only club, against Bolton. He played centre forward that day. Both goals were "highlight reel" goals, one with his right and one with his left foot. In retrospect it was likely his last game against Bolton.