Gordon Banks had to retire from playing in 1972. He was involved in a car accident and lost his sight on one eye. He retired as a player, but never left the game in full. He stayed loyal to Stoke and became their goalkeeper coach.
In 1966, Gordon Banks became a World Cup winner with England. Eleven years later, he returned to the game he loved, to play in the NASL.
Gordon Banks joined Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The Strikers were founded in December 1976. They were earlier known as Miami Toros, to be relocated to Fort Lauderdale. Banks joined the Strikers in 1977.
At 39, Banks had a legacy already cemented. He had a World Cup winners’ medal in his back pocket. Given this, he could have been forgiven for easing off. He was in a state renowned for being a popular retirement destination. Although he couldn’t see out of his right eye, the 73-cap international was voted to the All-Stars team. This happened during his first campaign. He was the best player on a Strikers’ side. This side won more regular-season games than anyone else.
Their coach was the legendary Ron Newman. In this first season, Banks was their star man. Newman had a good eye in soccer. He also brought in Norman Piper, Tony Whelan and Ray Hudson. They were not World Cup stars or anything. However, in this league, they could really compete and became important men for The Strikers.
Gordon Banks made an instant professional impression when arriving in Fort Lauderdale. During his two seasons with the Strikers. Reaching the Division Championship, Strikers faced Pelé and his New York Cosmos at Giants Stadium. They lost 8–3 in a match which drew, 77,691 fans. This set a record for a non-exhibition domestic league soccer game. In the return leg played in Fort Lauderdale, the Strikers lost 3–2 in an overtime shootout. The Strikers finished the 1978 season in third place. They had a record of sixteen wins and fourteen losses. The team made it to the third round of the playoffs. However, they lost the Conference Championship to Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Gordon Banks played 26 league games in his first season. Completing his total number of NASL games to 37, adding 11 more in the 1978 season. When the Strikers won their division in 1977, Banks was named NASL Goalkeeper of the Year. He conceded only 29 goals in 26 games—the best defensive record in the NASL.
Gordon Banks was at his peak in the 1966 and 1970 World Cup, winning in 66 and in 70 making a save vs. Pelè and Brazil, seen by many as the best save ever. But maybe his astonishing return to the game and star life in NASL should be rated even higher. He was brave to return and playing at a performance ratio not really possible being out for so long.
Gordon Banks sadly left us in 2019 at the age of 81. A through great and fantastic goalkeeper, taking goalkeeping to the highest level of professionalism.
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