Carlisle United were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Finney, who died on Wednesday [2 Feb] following a short illness, at the age of 48.
Finney scored six goals in 36 appearances for the Blues during his season with us in 1998/99 and was a bit of a talisman in what was a tough campaign – United didn’t lose any of the six league games in which he scored a goal.
Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “I first met him as a young lad when he was coached by Pop Robson and Jack Watson, and Harry Gregg knew him as well.
“He was a strong lad, and he went on to play for some good clubs and at good levels. He was a really likeable person who worked hard, and he stood out because of the way he handled the ball.
“He was coaching in the Westmorland League most recently, and this is such sad news to hear.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Community manager John Halpin, who was co-manager with Dave Wilkes when Steve came to the club from Swindon said: “What a player he was, with such ability.
“He wasn’t boisterous, or anything like that, but he commanded respect in the dressing room because of the way he did things.
“A clever player he could take the ball under control with one touch and use it. He always had a picture in his mind.
“Everybody liked him, he was always there to give advice or an opinion, and this has come as a real shock.
“We send our condolences to his loved ones.”
