Swindon Town hero Steve Finney dies aged 48

It has been announced that Finney, whose career also included spells with Manchester City and Preston North End, has passed away after a short illness.

Finney arrived in Wiltshire as a relative unknown following spells with Preston and Man City, but after scoring in the opening-day victory at Hull City in the 1995/96 season he went on to notch 16 goals in 43 appearances as Swindon streaked to the Division Two title and became a fans' favourite.

His subsequent campaigns did not quite reach those lofty heights before he moved on to Chester and Carlisle United, among others.

At Carlisle, Finney played a pivotal roll in keeping the Cumbrians in the football league after scoring six goals in 38 games, including a run of four in eight matches in the campaign that would end with Jimmy Glass' infamous strike.

Swindon Town were one of many of Finney's former clubs who shared their sadness at the news.

The club said: "#STFC is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Steve Finney.

"Steve joined the Reds in 1995 and scored 22 goals in over 50 outings for the club, including 16 goals in 1995/96 as Town stormed to the Second Division Title.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP."

Swindon fan Neil Evans was one of many supporters to leave messages of a similar ilk, noting Finney as one of their favourite strikers when beginning to watch Town.

He said: "RIP Steve Finney. Gave me what remains my favourite season as a fan (despite the boss).

"Remember his first goal away v Hull on opening day and the many that followed. A true legend.

Love ❤ to his family & friends. #LegendsNeverDie"

Finney's death follows a little over a fortnight after another former Town man, Jamie Vincent, passed away at the age of 46.

After no recognition was paid to the former left-back's death on match day against Bristol Rovers, calls are being made by the fans for a joint-tribute before Swindon's League Two match against Exeter City on Saturday.