Former England and Bolton defender Tommy Banks dies aged 94

Bolton FA Cup winner and former England defender Tommy Banks has died aged 94.

 

Banks, who played as a left-back, joined Bolton in 1947 and went on to win the FA Cup with the Trotters in 1958 with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

 

Banks was also chosen to be a part of England’s 1958 World Cup squad in Sweden chosen by Walter Winterbottom and went on to represent his country six times. Before his death, Banks was believed to be the Three Lions’ oldest living former international.

 

Banks made 255 appearances for Bolton and returned to his hometown, Farnworth, following retirement but was diagnosed with dementia in 2022.

Bolton said in a statement on the club’s website: “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 14 June). Arrangements for Tommy’s funeral will be communicated in due course.”