Exeter City legend Banks dies aged 87
Alan Banks was a regular at Exeter City long after he retired from playing
- Published
Alan Banks, widely regarded as one of Exeter City's greatest-ever players, has died aged 87.
Banks was the first player to score 100 league goals for the club and played 258 times for the Grecians over two spells.
The Liverpool-born forward began his career with his hometown club before joining Cambridge City in 1961.
He made the move to Exeter in 1964, with his 18 goals helping the Grecians to fourth place in Division Four in his first season and the club's first-ever promotion.
He went on to score a total of 43 goals in 86 games before moving to rivals Plymouth Argyle in 1966 after City were relegated.
But he returned to St James Park just over a year later, finishing as top scorer in three of his six further seasons, including the opening goal in a 3-1 FA Cup loss to a Manchester United side that included George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and Nobby Stiles.
He broke Exeter City's goalscoring record in February 1971 before leaving for Poole Town in 1973 having scored 101 league goals and a further eight in cup matches.
He remains the club's second-highest goalscorer - only Tony Kellow has scored more goals for the club.
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Banks lived in Exeter after ending his football career and was a regular at St James Park for many years.
"Everyone at Exeter City sends their heartfelt condolences to Alan's family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him," a club statement read., external
"Alan will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on for generations to come.
"The club will dedicate a match to Alan during the forthcoming season and is also planning a permanent tribute to honour one of the greatest players in Exeter City's history."
