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Gordon Banks, a
hero who could fly
THE
CUNNING FOX - LEICESTER CITY WEBZINE - 27.06.2008
This
week we are focusing on Leicester City and England goalkeeper
Gordon Banks, maybe the most legendary player ever to play for
Leicester City.
Banks
was born in Sheffield and played in a local colliery football as
a boy. He was offered an apprenticeship by Chesterfield after
initially going to work as a coal bagger and then a bricklayer
on leaving school.
After performances in the youth team he gained promotion to the
reserves. Banks was posted to Germany with the Royal Signals on
National Service, winning the Rine Cup with his regimental team.
On his return he was offered a full time contract by
Chesterfield. His performances in Chesterfields first team,
allerted Leicester who signed Banks for £ 7 000. From that day
in 1959 his career changed rapidly.
Leicester was at the time building a new and strong team with
young players such as Mike Stringfellow, Frank McLintock, Graham
Cross and Howard Riley. Leicester City was known as a very
difficult team to beat, and reached the FA Cup finals in 1961
and 1963. They were defeated by Tottenham and Man Utd, but the
club was among the best teams in England.
Gordon Banks played for Leicester until 1967, winning a League
Cup winners medal in 1964 and in 1966 winning the World Cup for
England.
Banks joined Stoke City and made "the best save ever" in the
1970 World Cup in Mexico. He later went on two win his 2nd
League Cup winners medal. Stoke defeated Chelsea in the 1972
League Cup final with Gordon Banks in goal.
Banks retired from English football after an accident in October
1972, losing sight on one eye. Banks made a fantastic comeback
in the NASL in 1977 with Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
At the age of 40 he impressed heavilly and was voted the best
goalkeeper of the NASL league.
Our video highlight this week is a great story from the book,
Gordon Banks, a hero who could fly, and you can also buy the
book from our affiliate store, look below,
Don't miss
out on our daily Leicester City updates
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