Keith Carabine writes: Several years ago I wrote to Tom Finney (obituary, 17 February) to tell him that he was the greatest footballer I had ever seen and that his loyalty to Preston and grace under pressure had been an example to all who loved and played the beautiful game. I also mentioned that I had taught my son Ned and his friends Finney tricks. To my astonishment Sir Tom rang to thank me for my letter and to ask whether “Ned would like a photie?” Three days later a signed photograph arrived and now has pride of place in my 35-year-old son’s living room.

David Collison writes: It was on a Saturday morning, outside Preston, in the early 1950s. The curly-headed plumber wielding a spanner under the kitchen sink was asked to whom the cheque for his services should be made out. “Make it out to T Finney, plumber, please madam” came the muffled reply. Even Aunty Evelyn, well into her 70s, had heard the name. “Finney? Finney? Isn’t that the footballer?” “Madam, I am the footballer.” And with that Tom Finney packed his tools and caught the P3 bus to Deepdale.

• Preston North End

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