Chief executive Tony Scholes, academy players, coaches, and manager Nathan Jones were present to pay their respects to the renowned goalie, who passed away on Monday night at the age of 81.
Banks, who represented England in the 1966 World Cup, appeared in 250 games for Stoke from 1967 to 1973.
Some Stoke fans paid their respects to the club legend with flowers, while others tied red and white scarves to the statue of Banks outside their bet365 Stadium.
In addition, Banks played for Stoke when they defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley in 1972 to win the League Cup. He has been the club’s president since 2000.
“Gordon was an iconic figure not only in English football but across the globe,” stated Peter Coates, chairman of Stoke.
Some Stoke fans paid their respects to the club legend with flowers, while others tied red and white scarves to the statue of Banks outside their bet365 Stadium.
In addition, Banks played for Stoke when they defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley in 1972 to win the League Cup. He has been the club’s president since 2000.
“It’s really sad that we have lost Gordon,” Stoke chairman Peter Coates stated. “Gordon was an iconic figure not only in English football but across the globe.”
People of all ages spoke highly of Gordon, and not just those in my generation knew how good a goalie he was. It was an incredible honor to watch him play for Stoke City because he was so good. Beyond just being a football fan, he was also a fervent supporter of our city, which he considered his adopted home. Locals of all stripes will mourn his loss.
“We are sending our deepest sympathies to Gordon’s wife Ursula, his three children Robert, Wendy, and Julia, as well as the Banks family during this difficult time.”
One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Banks earned 73 caps for England and is most remembered for his incredible save against Pele, the legendary Brazilian goalkeeper, during the 1970 World Cup.
Gordon’s family made the announcement, saying, “It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight.”
“We could not have been more proud of him, and while we are devastated by his passing, we also have a ton of wonderful memories.”
Banks joins Bobby Moore, Ray Wilson, and Alan Ball as the fourth member of the England 1966 team to pass away.
