Gordon Banks dies aged 81: Tributes pour in for Chesterfield FC legend and England World Cup hero
His family announced the sad news that the Sheffield-born footballer had ‘passed away peacefully overnight’. The statement read: “We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him.”
The star made 628 appearances during a 15-year career in the Football League and won 73 caps for his country. He is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time; making of the game’s best saves to prevent a Pelé goal in the 1970 World Cup.
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Hide AdMORE ON THIS STORY: How Gordon Banks save inspired little boy to become a Chesterfield keeperHowever, in a heartfelt tribute, presenter Dan Walker said he was ‘so much more than that’. He tweeted: “We’ll see a lot of THAT save from Gordon Banks today but there was so much more to him than that. He was funny, humble and a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed.”
Banks was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 1972, and was named FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year on six occasions.Chesterfield FC tweeted: “The sad news reaches us that legendary former Spireite Gordon Banks has passed away. Gordon, who started his career at Chesterfield, was of course part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning team. Our thoughts are with Gordon’s family and friends.”England's Harry Maguire, who went to school in Chesterfield, tweeted: “A World Cup winner, a legend. RIP Gordon Banks.”
Former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman tweeted: “So sad to hear that Gordon Banks has passed away. A true legend and gentleman. “He was my first Goalkeeper Coach when I was a school boy at @swfc when Jack Charlton was manager. I went into the training ground on my 6 weeks holidays to work with him . RIP.”