Our Finney week on BTLM ends with 1950s era Preston North End featuring today in our latest Vintage post; a poignant decade for a historical club enjoying its last days as a footballing power before decline into perennial also-ran status.

For Preston the 1950s was the decade of Tom Finney and near misses. Finney was one of England’s greatest-ever players and his influence on every aspect of the Lancashire club was immense. Those near misses came in Preston’s forlorn pursuit of major honours with the club twice finishing runners-up in the old Division One and once as losing FA Cup finalists.

Charlie Wayman, Preston NE 1951

Tom Finney, Preston NE 1958

Tommy Thompson, Preston NE 1959

Joe Walton, Preston NE 1959

Preston NE 1960

Willie Cunningham, Preston NE 1960

Tom Finney, Preston NE 1960

Finney Farewell, Preston NE 1960

Finney Farewell, Preston NE 1960-2

Finney Farewell, Preston NE 1960-3

Fred Else, Preston NE 1960

Bill Shankly, Preston 1948