The 1st February 2015 is the centenary of the birth of the man who was most probably soccer’s greatest ever ambassador, Sir Stanley Matthews. The only other person who might lay claim to that title, Pele, said of him “Stan was the one who taught us how the game should be played”. 

BAFTA-award winning director Tony White has created his own very special Thank You to Stan in an original 4 minute, 2D animated film inspired by the book Stanley Matthews: The Black Man with a White Face by Geoff Francis. The film was produced over a 2-year period at Tony's Pacific Northwest based studio, DRAWASSIC. 

In the UK, Tony’s tribute is voiced by Stoke-On-Trent North MP, Joan Walley, who is a Vice Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Football Committee. Joan knew Stan well in his final years and shared a passion for football in the Potteries. The US version of the film features narration by distinctive British voice actor, James Barnard. Also featured in the film are the voices of Desmond Tutu and the shy maestro, Stan, himself. Music for the film was composed by James Bell of All Out Music. 

The film is available now, for broadcast and public display from 1st February 2015 onwards.