Councillor calls for lasting tribute to Sheffield footballing legend Gordon Banks

Liberal Democrat Leader Shaffaq Mohammed says he will be speaking to community groups in Tinsley to see if there can be a way of remembering the former World Cup goalkeeper, who has died at the age of 81.

Gordon was born in Tinsley and later moved to Catcliffe and began his career with Sheffield Schoolboys before moving to Chesterfield in March 1953.

He was regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, receiving his crowning role in England’s historic World Cup triumph in 1966.

Four years later his worldwide fame rocketed again thanks to his so-called `save of the century’ to deny Pele and Brazil in the 1970 finals.

Coun Mohammed said: “My uncle lived three doors down from Gordon on Ferrars Road and remembered him playing on Tinsley park as a child. Last year my son bought a house and his rear garden backs on to Gordon’s old house.

“I work with youth services in the area and one of the things we will do is tell the young people about Gordon. It’s a sad passing but we will remember him with the young people and tell them of his achievements and his Sheffield connections.”

There is a star to honour Gordon on the Walk of Fame outside Sheffield Town Hall but Coun Mohammed, a Sheffield Wednesday fan, would like to see something in Tinsley to recognise his sporting excellence.

“I’ve always seen him as someone who grew up in Sheffield and became a real legend and role model. He is a good inspiration to young people and we need to celebrate him.

“I have a meeting with Tinsley Trust Fund and Tinsley Forum and I’ll be asking what we can do and if people have any ideas.”

Gordon, who had been diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2015, passed away with his family at his bedside.