Career
Finlayson joined London club Millwall after a trial in February 1948 and quickly made his league debut against West Bromwich Albion on 28 February aged 17. He remained with the Lions for six full seasons in the Third Division. He was first choice at The Den, making 251 appearances in total, a figure that would likely have been higher but for his time on National Service in the Royal Air Force where he played in the same football team as Ron Flowers.
He was sold to First Division in August 1956 for £3,000, primarily as cover for England international Bert Williams.
The goalkeeper kept his place the following season as he picked up yet another league title winners" medal. The club"s domestic success also gave Finlayson the opportunity to play in the European Cup against the likes of Barcelona.
Finlayson announced his retirement in May 1964 after playing 203 games in total for Wolves. After his playing retirement, he went on to become a successful businessman with his steel stockholding company, R & F Steel Stockholders of Kingswinford.
He also spent a brief spell back at Wolves as vice-chairman during 1982, following an attempt to buy the club in 1981 with Doug Ellis which was outbid by the Bhatti Brothers.
Finlayson died at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, on 26 November 2014 aged 84. He was also survived by a partner, Angela Field.