Gordon Banks

Gordon Banks, OBE (born Sheffield, England, 30th December, 1937) is a former English footballer, considered by many to be the best goalkeeper to have played the game.

Still England's No.1

Banks did not play in England's first game after the World Cup, with Ramsey electing to give his old understudy Shilton a debut against East Germany at Wembley. This would be a sign of things to come, but not for a little while. Banks would play in ten of the next 12 internationals as England tried to qualify for the 1972 European Championships but lost yet again to West Germany prior to the finals stage. During this period, Banks was also involved in a notorious incident with Manchester United's George Best who, while playing against England for Northern Ireland, flicked the ball out of Banks' hands and headed it into the net as the protesting goalkeeper chased him. The goal was disallowed for ungentlemanly conduct and England won 1-0, but Banks was left feeling rather embarrassed.

Related Topics:
East Germany - 1972 European Championships - George Best - Northern Ireland

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At club level, Banks came up with his second most famous save when spectacularly palming a vicious penalty from his England team-mate Hurst over the crossbar as Stoke defeated West Ham United in the semi final of the 1972 League Cup. Banks duly reached his third League Cup final and won it for the second time, when Stoke beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley. Having lost two FA Cup finals, Banks' attempts to be luckier with Stoke in the competition fell agonisingly short as Arsenal beat them in the semi finals of both the 1971 and 1972 competitions.

Related Topics:
West Ham United - 1972 - Arsenal - 1971

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Banks played his 73rd England game in a 1-0 win over Scotland at Hampden Park on 27th May 1972 and was awarded the Football Writers' Association Footballer Of The Year honour. He was 34 years old and at the peak of his abilities and powers. He began the next season with Stoke in his usual unflappable manner, but then his top-flight career would be suddenly and violently brought to an end.

Related Topics:
Hampden Park - 27th May - Football Writers' Association Footballer Of The Year

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