Gordon Banks - England

Born to a working-class family and the son of an illegal book-maker, “Banksy” went from bagger to a coal merchant at age 15 to national prominence and glory as the net-minder when England won their first (and only) World Cup in 1966. Watching videos of his interplay with the public, whether through televised interviews or casual run-ins on the street, it’s easy to understand the appeal Banks held to the English fans. Although one of the only players to have ever been named as an Officer of the British Empire while still active in his career (and later Knighted), it appears as though Banks maintained a deep sense of humility even after his great success.

At age 15, Banks had a try-out with a local club in a lower league where his team was crushed in two successive games with a combined score line of 15-3 and as a result, Banks was summarily dropped. No doubt, a credit to his working-class character, Banks refused to give-up his dream and even with no formal goalkeeper coaching, self taught himself with mixed success for several years in the lower leagues.

Unlike today’s prodigy players who seem to be hand-picked at birth for stardom, Banks truly crawled his way slowly up the ladder overcoming obstacles and naysayers at every turn.

In 1959, Banks was finally signed by First Division club, Leister City, though even there, he wasn’t brought in as a starter but rather with ideas as a reserve player who would have to compete with five other goalkeepers. Banks was eventually named the starter for the Reserve team and this made him the #2 behind first team starter (and Scottish International), Dave MacLaren.

As fate would have it, MacLaren picked-up and injury early on in the ’59-’60 season and Banks was pressed into first-team duty. The following year, MacLaren departed Leister leaving Banks as the team’s new number 1.
Life at Leister, and for that matter Stoke as well, was not one filled with piles of silverware for Banksy. Truth be told, Leister was, at best, a mid-level club throughout Banks’ tenure however, in the1963-’64 season they did manage to shock many fans and end-up in a League Cup final with Stoke where, they ultimately prevailed.

After the 1962 World Cup, Alf Ramsey took over the managerial duties for England and decided to replace goalkeeper, Ron Springett with Banks as the new England, number 1.

Banks remained Ramsey’s man going into the ’66 World Cup and in that tournament Banks played every game shoulder to shoulder with the other legends of that squad. In the semi-final game against Portugal, Jack Charlton was called for handling the ball in the box that led to a Eusebio penalty kick and goal. This was the first goal surrendered by Banks in 721 minutes, which was a new English record that managed to stand for the next 65 years. As is well documented, England went on to ultimately claim the Cup in the Finals after beating Germany 4-2 in extra time.

Despite being a World Cup Champion and English legend, Leister decided to unceremoniously drop Banks the following year as they were pushing their chips ‘all-in’ on up and coming teenage sensation, Peter Shilton.

Un-appreciated in Leister, Banks soon found a new home at Stoke City where he won his second League Cup in 1972. Other than that success, Banks’ career as a mid-team goalkeeper plodded on. However, his efforts did not go unappreciated by the rest of the English footballing world as he was named the FWA (Football Writers Association) Player of the year, a prestigious award that had only on one other occasion been bestowed upon a goalkeeper (Bert Trautmann 1956).

In a game against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup, Banks famously saved a header from Pele that had been crossed into the box. This moment in footballing history has been characterized by many as “the greatest save ever.” Although England lost the game 1-0 to Brazil, they did progress to the quarterfinals where they were matched with West Germany. The night before the Game, Banks became extremely ill and was unable to play or even attend. England lost that match to the West Germans and conspiracy theories had swirled that the England number 1 had been poisoned though proof of same was never established.

In 1972, Banks suffered a serious eye injury after being involved in a car accident after receiving treatment from a physio. This event effectively ended his playing career for both Stoke and England.

In 1977, Banks caught on for one season with the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers of the NSL where, even with one eye, he went on to lead the Strikers to a League title and claim Goaltender of the Year recognition.

Notable Accomplishments
League Cup: 1964 and 1972;
FIFA World Cup (Winner): 1966;
UEFA Championship (3rd Place): 1968;
British Home Championship: 1964, ’65, ’66, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’71 and ’72;
FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year: 1966, ’67, ’68, 69, ’70 and ’71;
FIFA World Cup All-Star: 1966;
Officer of the British Empire: 1970;
Daily Express Sportsmen of the Year: 1972;
FWA Footballer of the Year: 1972;
Football League 100 Legends: 1998;
English Football Hall of Fame: 2002;
NASL All-Stars: 1977;
NASL Goalkeeper of the Year: 1977;
FIFA 100: 2004;
PFA Team of the Century: 2007;

CARDBOARD NOTES
The Gordon Banks Rookie card to own is the 1962 L.Q.L caricature card from the Chilean manufacturer made in anticipation of the World Cup. Banks’ inclusion on this very scarce set is a true oddity given that he was listed as the 3rd string goalkeeper.
Another more affordable Rookie is the 1962 Barratt Famous Footballers (A10) card. This set was seemingly produced in mass but demand for this card continues to push prices up. Curiously, the same Banks’ image seems to have been used in successive Barratt sets so checking the numbers on the reverse is important to make sure that you’re actually purchasing the correct card. That being said, the 1963 Barratt (card #50) is highly sought after in so far as it has two reverse varieties – (a) “Leicester City”, and; (b) “Leicester City and England.”
Banks’ first A&BC card is in the 1963-64, Make-A-Photo set whereas, the 1964-’65 is a second series issue of shorter supply.
Banks can also be found in the 1966 World Cup stamps set which is a rare set that is very difficult to find in high grades and has for years been immensely popular with English card collectors.
Banks is also found in the 1970 Panini World Cup Mexico ’70 set which is probably the most popular Panini set of all-time with several reverse varieties.
Given Banks’ longstanding English international career he is found in almost all of the World Cup and international sets between 1964 and 1970 many of which are quite rare and always in demand.