Whites make news in Preston

As Distillery paid tribute to Sir Tom on Saturday with a pre-match minute’s silence at New Grosvenor – a tribute to quite possibly the most famous player ever to run out in a Distillery shirt, it made news in the footballing legend’s home town.

Sir Tom came out of retirement in 1963 to play for Distillery in a historic European Cup game against Benfica which saw the local minnows hold the then-giants of European football 3-3.

Lisburn Distillery club chairman Jim Greer said: “The club was indebted to him when he came over and played for us in that memorable match against Benfica.

“Although he came out of retirement to play it was a huge thing at the time. He was a great servant to Preston North End and he was one of the best players in the world.

“So for Distillery to get him to play for just one match was an achievement in itself and football is a sadder place for his loss.”

The Portugal legend Eusebio, who played in England at the 1966 World Cup finals, led Benfica to a 5-0 win in the second leg.