Preston North End would like to thank all of the clubs who have offered their condolences in light of the recent passing of Sir Tom Finney.
From the moment the sad news was announced late on Friday, clubs from all over the country began to send in their messages.
Fellow League One side Walsall made a phone call to North End last night to pass on their sympathy.
Blackpool, along with various other Football League clubs, have announced they will honour Sir Tom by wearing black armbands for their game against Ipswich Town this afternoon.
Championship side Nottingham Forest, who played the Lilywhites in the FA Cup earlier this season, sent a personalised message to North End, which read: “On behalf of Nottingham Forest Football Club, I would like to offer our sincere condolences following the passing of Sir Tom Finney.
“We understand he will be greatly missed, not only by his family and friends, but by Preston North End, and the English game as a whole. His influences and contributions to the game, and to Preston especially, are clear, and go to show what an incredible ambassador he was for English football.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and Preston North End at this sad time.”
Local Rugby Union side Preston Grasshoppers sent the following message from their general manager Richard Ellis: “The members, staff, coaches and players at Preston Grasshoppers RFC were deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Sir Tom Finney.
“We wish to pass on our condolences to the Finney family and all at Preston North End. Sir Tom was an inspirational figure across the whole of Preston’s sports community and his passing is a great loss to the city as whole.
“His legendary status in the game of football has ensured Preston’s sporting profile has remained high long after his retirement from playing. The tributes being paid and comparisons to the greats of the game such as Matthews and Messi are a testament to his ability.
“His tireless community and charitable work touched everyone in the city and was an inspiration to many. We join with you in solidarity across the football codes in paying our respects to a true gentleman and a sporting great.”
Below are just some of the messages that have been posted by various clubs on social media…
Blackpool FC @BFC1887
A legendary opponent and friend of Jimmy Armfield, BFC pass on condolences to the family of Sir Tom Finney. #RIP
Blackpool FC @BFC1887
#BFC will wear black armbands against @Official_ITFC this afternoon, as a mark of respect following the sad passing of Sir Tom Finney.
Fleetwood Town FC @ftfc
Very sad news to hear about the passing of footballing legend Sir Tom Finney this evening. #RIPSirTom
Burnley FC @BurnleyOfficial
Burnley Football Club is saddened to hear that Sir Tom Finney has died. Our deepest sympathies to all our friends at Preston North End
Bolton Wanderers FC @OfficialBWFC
#BWFC are saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Tom Finney. Here he is pictured with our very own Nat Lofthouse.
Wigan Athletic @LaticsOfficial
Everyone at Wigan Athletic is saddened to learn of the passing of Sir Tom Finney. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. #RIPSirTom
Liverpool FC @LFC
A football gentleman respected by everyone in the game, Sir Tom Finney will be sadly missed by all at #LFC. RIP
Manchester United @ManUtd
We're saddened to hear of the passing of England and Preston North End legend Sir Tom Finney. RIP.
Arsenal FC @Arsenal
The Club is saddened to hear of the passing of England legend Sir Tom Finney #RIPSirTom
Notts County FC @Official_NCFC
RIP Sir Tom Finney. #legend
Northampton Town @ntfc
RIP Sir Tom Finney. Very sad news that he has passed away. A true great of the game.
Leyton Orient @leytonorientfc
#RIPSirTom ready to pay tribute to a legend tomorrow. @pnefc so sorry to hear the news. Hopefully together we can give him a fine send off
Stoke City FC @stokecity
Stoke City wish to pass on our condolences to @pnefc and all friends and family after the sad passing of Sir Tom Finney #FootballFamily #RIP
Crawley Town @crawleytown
Our sincere condolences to the family of Sir Tom Finney, a true great of English football. #RIPSirTom
West Ham United FC @whufc_official
Everyone at West Ham United has been deeply saddened by the passing of @pnefc and England great Sir Tom Finney #RIPSirTom
MK Dons FC @MKDonsFC
Therefore, @MKDonsFC hold a minute's applause prior to kick-off this afternoon in memory of Sir Tom. #RIPSirTom
MK Dons FC @MKDonsFC
We were, of course, privileged to be a part of Sir Tom's 90th birthday celebrations at @pnefc two seasons ago. #RIPSirTom
Cardiff City FC @CardiffCityFC
All at #CardiffCity would like to offer our sincere condolences on the news of the passing of a true football icon, Sir Tom Finney, CBE
Wolves @OfficialWolves
Condolences also to all at @pnefc on the loss of such a legend and loyal 'one-club' player. #ripsirtom