Banksy: The Autobiography of an English Football Hero

Its been a great read during the lockdown. Full of insights into the workings of the top flight football in the 1960`s . I have read many football autobiographies of the 1966 world cup side- the Charltons, Hurst , Peters, Ball, Stiles and Cohen. This is by far the best of them all- very well written, with amusing stories that seem more strange than any fiction you could come up with.

Fab book from the content, info side etc. Gordon Banks was arguably England’s greatest ever goalkeeper and the bits of the book that clearly came from him and his memories are really interesting. Sadly, it’s clear that the book was co-written with a friend/journalist called Les Scott and whilst Mr Scott’s additions are sometimes mildly interesting, some are glaring errors e.g. on page 209 he refers to John White, the Spurs player as an England colleague of Gordon’s. White was one of Scotland’s great midfielders of the 60s. Banks himself would never have written this. So, I’d say buy the book to learn a lot more about Gordon banks the great keeper but be prepared to skip over or ignore his co writer’s mistakes and boring narrative.

Thrill to read, learned so much due to reading about him or watching highlights of games he played in for England (amazing save he made of the header by Pele in 1970). Certainly England’s best ever, worldwide he’s in the top 3. I was born shortly after he retired but being brought up to enjoy football around age of 6 onwards, I learned so much about those who won 1966 World Cup. Couldn’t put this book down. RIP Banksy, you are & will remain sorely missed. Never be forgotten xxxx

A really good read , was always my fav. keeper back in the day. Can watch the save from PELE till the cows come home. Why we (man utd ) didn`t sign him (sorry Alex ) in the 60`s beyond me. Was a treat to watch him in action from the stretford end terraces. Comes across as a very modest well grounded guy . Also saw him watching UTD from the stretford end when Eric ruled in the 90`s hope he wasn`t paying for his ticket ! should have asked for his autograph. NB well what do you know , out of world cup after two games - Gordon Banks WORLD CLASS - Rooney Gerard never.

I don't mind admitting that I don't have many heroes , well just the one Gordon Banks. This book is a superb tribute to England's greatest ever goalkeeper. A nostalgic look back on a golden age of football. I too was a goalkeeper and always tried to apply his methods to my game ,not always with the same success. I still try to use them when coaching youngsters today as his methods quoted in the book are still as valid today as they were. when this great man was between the sticks. Buy this book enjoy and savour the read.

I found that his schooldays and early history interesting as I was a school colleague and neighbour bot tha later chapters centered too much on specific matches

A very decent man and his story well told.

I chose this rating as the book was a smashing read, I liked the way it explained how Gordon was brought up and how he first got interested in football. The detail of his journey playing for various teams and his world cup success with England and Sir Alf , his car crash rehabilitation from his injuries and further career in America and after retirement was great. I recommend this book to any football fan and anyone interested in honest hard work and achievement .

Absolutely brilliant ! For a footballer he writes so marvelously well ! Really inspirational how a person like this,from a relatively disadvantaged background could rise to become one of the world's great goalkeepers.Comes across as a very matured individual(not all sports stars are !).If you want to know how to conduct yourself on the sports field,then this is a "must read" book

Still not finished reading but what I have read so far seems to be very interesting. I grew up watching Gordan Banks and players of his era play soccer. Names such as Bobby Moore (now deceased), Pele, Jairzinho, Tostoa, Gerson, Bobby Charlton, George Best, Jack Charlton, Eusebio etc... 1960's & 1970's stars they set the standard for players we see in action today... so I believe this biography by one of the world's best goalkeepers is sure to be fascinating....

This is how I like an Autobiography, unlike modern players great players do not need swear words even for emphasis. Gordon Bamks told it like it was nuts and bolts and I could share his frustrations without them. A great book by a great keeper.