Why one of sport's most iconic images resonates 70 years on

The Splash, a legendary photograph from 1956, continues to captivate football fans even seven decades later. In this image, Tom Finney of Preston North End skillfully navigates a torrential downpour at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium, appearing as if he were a water-skier cutting through a speedboat's wake. Finney, a two-time England World Cup veteran, was an iconic figure in his era, akin to modern-day David Beckham.

The photograph, which emerged in an age before digital cameras, has become a symbol of football's gritty, old-fashioned spirit. Finney's resilience, skill, and unwavering determination in the face of challenging conditions encapsulate the spirit of players from the 1950s, who often played through difficult weather that would now prompt postponements.

Finney, who never earned more than £20 per week during his career, continued to work as a plumber to supplement his income. His dedication was matched by his impressive career, during which he made 433 appearances for Preston North End, scoring 210 goals and earning 76 caps for England. The Splash, which captured Finney's essence, has been widely reproduced and revered, adorning memorabilia and even featuring in the manager's office at Preston North End.

The photograph's enduring popularity led to the naming of a stand in Finney's honor at the newly developed Deepdale stadium and the creation of a statue, unveiled in 2002. Finney's humble nature was evident when he was humbled by the statue's unveiling, and even his fellow journalist John Horton, who captured the image, still feels a sense of pride and amusement at the photograph's continued impact.