Blether with Brown: Tom Finney could score with both feet

Perth man Allan Smart was among the many saddened at the recent passing of the great Sir Tom Finney.

Allan’s son of the same name is a one-time Preston player and Allan Sr met Preston and England great Sir Tom on three occasions while visiting their Deepdale ground.

“The first time I met Sir Tom was after a game in which Allan had netted with two shots from distance in a 3-1 Preston victory,” said Allan Sr.

“One shot was with his right foot and one with his left.

“Sir Tom spoke to me afterwards and claimed not many players could shoot with both feet and he told me how impressed he was with Allan’s ability to do so.

“I was referring to him as Sir Tom or Mr Finney but he urged me to call him Tom.

“I found him to be a very modest man, an extremely humble gentleman and I am proud to have made his acquaintance.”