He was my idol when I was a boy. I was a goalkeeper in the school team. I wrote a letter to him simply addressed to “Gordon Banks, Stoke City F.C.”. A week later I received a hand written letter off him on Basildon Bond writing paper. I had his autograph from an earlier time and the letter was in his handwriting. What a humble and generous action that was, wishing me well in my goalkeeping career. That letter was taped to my bedroom wall for a decade.
I played in the same team as Gordon on a tour of Malta in 79,we won it and he was an absolute gentleman a truly lovely guy and still a great goalie,Gordon west was our other goalie,happy days.
Incredible, humble man with great ability and a calm presence who inspired another great generation of goalkeepers (Clemence, Shilton etc.). RIP Gordon.
I was fortunate to have been at Stoke City FC from 1969 to 1972. Gordon Banks was the greatest… in all aspects. As a sportsman and as a human being. I cherish the memories of our special training sessions. He trained very hard… did the normal training session with the squad and then did his personal session in goal when he would ask me to stay on and help him. Great memories. Specially when he stopped one of my shots from going over the bar… « to save you from having to fetch it » he said.
Met Gordon , a real gentleman.. United should have signed him Gordon spoke at a dinner The clubs had him in handcuffs They never told the players what clubs wanted him
How sad to hear Tony Waddington talking about how long Gordon would continue to play football at the highest level. Within a few months Gordon had lost an eye in a car crash. How cruel is that? The greatest goalkeeper of all time losing the sight in one eye.
Gordon was popular at anfield , although in the early 60s' we could nt score a goal against him (playing for leicester) and i remember him being pelted with oranges and bits of ciggy packet as he took his place in goal at the kop end .He always looked a bit oriental , his eyes , and the kop would chant '...chicken chow mein and gordon banks...' . rip. great goalie
A lot better than nothing Phil! An ace shot that, a great combination too! In spite of all the usual cock ups there at Wigan it eas a well timrd shot and a gooden! Hooe your keeping well, and guess your heads still in the clouds! Cheers Nick.
Fascinating, thank you. Incredible that within months a car accident would destroy his career. PS You could see their knobs in the bath after the cup win!
