Former Preston North End and England legend Sir Tom Finney has died, aged 91.
The Lilywhites confirmed the news via their official website, referring to the legendary striker as their greatest ever player.
The statement read: "Preston North End have been informed of the extremely sad news of the passing of Sir Tom Finney.
"Sir Tom was the greatest player to ever play for Preston North End and one of the all time greats for England.
"The thoughts of everyone at the club, and those connected with it, are with his family at this time."
Finney, who struck 210 goals in a 14-year stint with the club, has had a stand named after him at Deepdale since 1995 and had more recently been honored with a statue outside the stadium in 2004.
The Lancashire-born forward also enjoyed a fruitful international career, scoring 30 times in a 12-year stint with the Three Lions.
The Football Association paid tribute to Finney on Twitter, writing: "The FA is saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Tom Finney, one of England's all-time greatest players who won 76 caps."
Finney, who was nicknamed the 'Preston Plumber' having completed an apprenticeship in the trade, was knighted in 1998 for his services to football.
Shane Callaghan
