Gordon Banks statue moves to new home
NEW HOME: A bronze statue of World Cup hero Gordon Banks has been moved to the legendary goalkeeper's home village.
The statue, created by artist Andy Edwards, was originally unveiled by Pele and Desmond Tutu at the Britannia Stadium.
Last night the statue, which shows ex-Stoke star Mr Banks holding aloft the Jules Rimet trophy he helped England to win in 1966, went on show at Madeley High School.
A school spokesman said: "Gordon Banks lives in the village and he has visited the school, so it was thought that Madeley is a good place for the statue."
The statue was unveiled by Don Mullan, author of Gordon Banks: A Hero Who Could Fly. Mr Edwards named the monument after the book. It has been moved to the school where Mr Edwards hopes to work on a second statue featuring Mr Banks and German goalkeeper, Bert Trautmann – Banks's boyhood hero.
Pictured far left, Gordon Banks at the unveiling of his statue at the Brit. Left, assistant headteacher Lee Hope with the statue at the school. Picture: Mark Scott
2 Comments
by david edwards, madeley
Thursday, January 07 2010, 9:22PM
“I think you will find you were not the only one to pay for Statue,or the stadium in fact.Mr G. Banks will still be a proud man where ever it stands.”
by Dawn, North Staffordshire
Tuesday, December 08 2009, 2:07PM
“What on earth is happening? Why has a statue which has been paid for by the SCFC supporters been moved to Madeley? I can't believe that someone could be so insensitive. Why isn't it standing with the one of Sir Stanley Matthews? Whoever thought the move to Madeley was a good idea should have consulted the people who paid for it FIRST. I hope it is ONLY on loan. When is it moving back to the place where it should be?”