2 Oct 2009Finney pledges to keep medals if museum move goes ahead

Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media | Football Technology and Stadia

Sir Tom Finney has said that his personal collection of football memorabilia will not be allowed to leave Preston.

The English football legend currently loans the National Football Museum items such as his medals, FA Cup final shirt and Footballer of the Year trophy, but plans to take them back if the attraction is relocated to Manchester.

Plans to move the museum away from Preston North End's home stadium have dismayed football fans in the Lancashire city, with Sir Tom now joining the debate.

In a letter to the mayor of Preston Keith Sedgewick, he said that Deepdale "has every right to be home to the artefacts and memorabilia that record the history of the most popular sport in the world".

The 87-year-old added: "There seems no logical reason why thousands and thousands of football treasures should be transferred at enormous cost to a sterile building in Manchester."

Born in Preston, Sir Tom is widely-regarded as one of England's greatest ever footballers.

He spent his entire career with Preston North End and made 76 international appearances, scoring 30 goals.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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