Ralph Banks
Ralph Banks, like his brother Tommy, was born and bred on Farnworth, less than three miles form Burnden Park. He was Tommy's senior by nine years and began his career with Farnworth St Thomas' as a left back. After a spell with South Liverpool, just before the war, he joined the Wanderers and made his debut in their opening Football League North game in January 1941, after the club had been closed for six months. Without a doubt, Banks lost his most promising years through the war and his career was curtailed even further after the cessation of hostilities, due to National Service. The 1948-49 season was his most consistent for the club when he missed only four games. He then became understudy, first to Kinsell, then to Kennedy and Higgins, but outlasted them all. His final first-team appearance was at Wembley in the 1953 FA Cup Final when he wore a number three shirt for the last time before handing it over to his brother for the start of the following season. Whilst with the Wanderers, he failed to score a League goal but registered one for Aldershot, whom he joined in January 1954. He ended his playing days with Weymouth.
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