The people of Stoke, where Matthews began his career, have been paying tribute at a statue outside Hanley shopping centre.

Hundreds came to remember the local lad who turned professional aged 17. By the end of his career, he had been capped 54 times for England and made 710 Football League appearances for Stoke and Blackpool.

The flag is flying at half mast at Blackpool's home ground where the photo of the team which won the 1953 FA Cup Final against Bolton is always on proud display.

This famous tangerine shirt with a white collar is a replica of the strip worn in the Cup Final victory and was signed by Sir Stanley himself on a return visit last year.

The 1953 FA Cup Final at Wembley when Blackpool came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3, became known as "The Matthews Final".