Exeter City Mourns the Passing of All-Time Favorite Player Alan Banks
Exeter City Football Club and its Supporters' Trust have announced the passing of one of the club's greatest and most beloved figures, Alan Banks, who died on July 3, 2026, at the age of 87.
Known affectionately by fans as "Banksy," he was a prolific striker who secured his place in football history by becoming the first player in Exeter City’s history to score 100 league goals. His legacy spans decades, both on the pitch as a talismanic goalscorer and off it as a dedicated club ambassador.
A Prolific Career Defined by Goals
Born in Liverpool in 1938, Banks began his professional career with Liverpool FC in 1956. While first-team opportunities at Anfield were limited, he demonstrated his clinical finishing early on, scoring six goals in just eight appearances.
He later moved to Cambridge City, where his striking exploits drew widespread attention as he netted an extraordinary 129 goals in just over two seasons.
In November 1963, Exeter City acquired Banks for a club-record fee of £5,250—a transfer that would prove to be one of the most successful pieces of business in the club's history.
Leading Exeter to Historic Promotion
Banks’ impact at St James Park was instantaneous. When he arrived, Exeter City had won only five of their opening 15 league matches. His arrival completely transformed their fortunes:
- Immediate Spark: Banks scored 18 league goals in just 28 appearances.
- Historic Achievement: Behind his stellar form, the club secured 15 victories in their final 31 matches to finish fourth in Division Four.
- First Promotion: This incredible run earned Exeter City the first-ever promotion in their club history.
The Centurion and the Fan Favorite
After a brief, 18-month stint with Plymouth Argyle, Banks returned to Exeter City for a second spell where his legendary status was cemented.
- The 100-Goal Milestone: Across his two stints, Banks made 258 league appearances and became the first Grecians player to hit the 100-league-goal mark, finishing with 101 league goals (and 109 competitive goals overall).
- FA Cup Magic: In January 1969, he famously scored the opening goal against reigning European champions Manchester United in a memorable FA Cup clash.
- Individual Honors: He finished as the club’s leading scorer in three of six seasons during his second spell, was twice named Exeter City’s Player of the Season, and was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2014.
In a testament to his enduring bond with the community, Exeter City supporters voted Alan Banks as the club’s all-time favorite player in a landmark 2007 poll.
A Lasting Connection to St James Park
Even after retiring from professional football in 1977, Banks chose to remain in the Exeter community. He established a local dress material business with his wife and frequently returned to St James Park as a matchday host.
Exeter City has announced that it will dedicate a special match to Banks during the upcoming season and will establish a permanent tribute to honor his life and contributions. He is survived by his family, friends, and thousands of grieving Grecians supporters.