LONDON (AFP) - England football great Tom Finney has died at the age of 91, his former club Preston North End said on Friday.

"Preston North End have been informed of the extremely sad news of the passing of Sir Tom Finney," a statement on the English third-tier club's website said.

"Sir Tom was the greatest player to ever play for Preston North End and one of all time greats for England.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club, and those connected with it, are with his family at this time."

Finney, a winger who could play in several positions across the forward line, was famously loyal to his hometown side in Lancashire, north-west England.

Finney made his debut for North End in 1946 and remained with the club until his retirement in 1960, scoring 210 goals in 473 appearances for the Lillywhites.

His England record was equally impressive. Finney scored 30 goals in 76 matches for his country.

One of the most popular British sportsmen of his era, with fans and fellow players alike, Finney was nicknamed the 'Preston Plumber' after his father insisted he complete an apprenticeship at the family business he later ran alongside his football career.

Former England striker and BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker tweeted: "Sir Tom Finney has left us. One of the greatest players this country has ever seen, and a true gentleman."

The late Bill Shankly, the legendary Liverpool manager who played with Finney at Preston, once said: "Tom Finney would have been great in any team, in any match and in any age... even if he had been wearing an overcoat."