Everyone at Bolton Wanderers is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of club legend Tommy Banks, aged 94.
Tommy’s name will forever be etched in Wanderers’ history having played an integral part in our 1958 FA Cup winning side.
Playing as a left back, Banks joined the Whites in 1947 and after making his debut against Wolves, Tommy quickly built a reputation as a tough-tackling full back as part of Wanderers’ defence.
Tommy would also play for the Whites alongside his brother Ralph in his early days at Burnden Park.
1958 proved to be a successful year for Tommy, both at club and international level.
First, there was victory in the FA Cup Final at Wembley as Bill Ridding's Wanderers defeated Manchester United 2-0, with Tommy starting a left-back on the biggest stage. A brace from Whites’ captain Nat Lofthouse was enough to secure the trophy in front of more than 99,000 spectators.
Then, further international reckoning would follow when Tommy was named in Walter Winterbottom's squad for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, alongside the likes of Billy Wright and Tom Finney, as well as Wanderers' teammate Eddie Hopkinson.
Whilst at Wanderers he represented England six times, with his debut coming against the Soviet Union in Moscow. Prior to his passing, he was believed to be the oldest living former England international.
Tommy left the club in 1961 after making 255 league and cup appearances. He then played for Altrincham and in 1964 appeared in the Welsh Cup final for Bangor City against Cardiff.
Following retirement, Tommy returned to his home town of Farnworth to concentrate on the building trade, as well as a brief spell owning a newsagents, spending the rest of his life with his family.
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at Bolton Wanderers are with Tommy’s family and friends.
As a mark of respect, the club will lower the flags outside the Toughsheet Community Stadium to half-mast from tomorrow morning (Friday 14th June). Arrangements for Tommy's funeral will be communicated in due course.