DELIGHTED soccer legend Tom Finney has talked of his pride at being knighted in Tony Blair's first ever New Year Honours List.

The 75-year-old former Preston North End and England ace was surprised but over-the-moon when the long overdue announcement was made last week.

His latest honour will be added to a long list of other awards he has including the OBE, CBE and Freedom of Preston Borough. Sir Tom said: "There was an element of surprise even though I knew I had been recommended.

"It's fantastic, I'm very, very proud. It's a great start to the year and I hope it's a source of pride for the town and PNE as well.

"I'm in elite company with the likes of Bobby Charlton and Stanley Matthews but I have to admit it doesn't feel any different."

And football bosses, councillors and charity workers were among a whole host of people quick to pass on their congratulations.

North End Chief Executive Peter Church told the Citizen: "It's long overdue. It's a fitting tribute to everything he's given as a footballer and since.

"Sir Tom is an ambassador to football in Preston and in general. He's tireless in the work he does for North End, charities and others."

Dick Clegg, secretary of Preston Schoolboy's Football Association, has known Tom for many years. He said: "He'll do anything for anyone and will travel all over the country to help people out. Well done, Tom."

Councillor Dick Evans, Preston's mayor and an old friend of Tom's, said: "He's a local lad and I'm delighted for him.

"He loves to do his charity work and always does it with a smile on his face. He deserves every award he gets."

FANS from around the world have bombarded the Citizen with e-mails congratulating Sir Tom. John Riding from Ontario said: "I was delighted to learn of the knighthood. I'm sure all ex-Prestonians living in Canada share pride in the knighthood of a hometown boy.

"It's not only good for North End and may give them a much needed shot in the arm, but also for the town and Lancashire as a whole."

A message from John C in Tasmania said: "It's something to cheer about. The Queen and her minions have finally recognised something we've known for ever."

SIR Tom rose from humble surroundings in Deepdale to become one of the world's greatest ever footballers.

In a successful career spanning two decades the successful winger scored an amazing 210 goals for PNE - in just 14 seasons.

Affectionately known as the Preston Plumber because of his off-field business activities he was also a gentleman on the field as he was never booked in his 432 appearances.

And his abilities were not ignored abroad. At the peak of his career loyal Tom was offered a lucrative move to a top Italian club which he declined.

Tom also paraded his trickery on the hallowed Wembley turf where he earned 76 England caps and scored 30 international goals.

A PACKED crowd congratulated Sir Tom in an emotional ceremony at Deepdale on Saturday (Jan 3).

Players lined up to welcome the local legend who walked into the stadium on a red carpet to a standing ovation before the cup clash with Stockport.

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