Tommy Banks
Tommy Banks was one of the great "hard men" of the Bolton defence of the 1950's, when the mere mention of his name was enough to frighten the opposing wingers. He was born in Farnworth in November 1929 and signed for Bolton in 1947, whilst still working down the pit at Mossley Common after playing with local side, Partridges. Opportunities in the first team were few and far between, with his brother Ralph occupying one of the fullback berths. Although Tommy made his First Division debut in May 1948, at Wolves, it was be five seasons before he became a regular first-teamer. His reputation spread as a tough tackling left back and his famous remark to opponents, "Tha'd better not try to get past me unless tha' wants gravel rash," became synonymous with the Wanderers' defence of the late 1950's. Banks, however was a quality fullback with his best moments at Burnden coming towards the end of his career. In 1958 he collected a FA Cup -winners' medal and in May of that year made his England debut, against the Soviet Union in Moscow. Another five caps were won, all in the space of five months, along with Football League selection against the Scots and were a fitting reward for this down-to-earth Lancashire character. He ended his League career at Bolton in 1961, joining Altrincham in the Cheshire League. Two years later he quit the game to concentrate on the building trade in his hometown. |
