A former Carlisle United footballer has died suddenly at the age of 48.
Steve Finney, who played 33 games for the Blues between 1998 and 1999, scoring six goals had been involved with Westmorland League side Ullswater United.
It was the Ullswater club who posted news of his death today saying: “The club is devastated to announce the passing of Steve Finney.
“Steve joined the management team in October 2020 and his knowledge of the game and personality made him a vital part of what the club has achieved since.”
Hexham-born Finney was in the youth system of Preston North End for two years from 1990 and went on to play six games for the first team, scoring one goal.
He was signed by Manchester City in 1993 but in two seasons at Maine Road did not make the first team.
His best spell in the game was from 1995 to 1998 when he was with Swindon Town and in his first season helped them to the Division Two title. In his time with the Robins he scored 18 goals in 73 appearances.
He’d had a short loan spell at Cambridge (two goals in seven games) before joining Carlisle United and was there in the season which ended in Jimmy Glass saving the Blues from relegation to non-league with his famous last gasp goal.
He had moved on before then to Leyton Orient and played briefly after that for Barrow, Chester City and Altrincham.
Since settling in the area he has worked for Lloyd Land Rover, Ullswater Road Garage in Penrith and more recently was a business development manager with NWF Fuels.
Ullswater United, where he was coaching, will play their League game this weekend after holding a minute’s silence.
Steve leaves a wife Debbie and two children, Harry and Molly.
