Chris Banks

Port Vale

Banks began his career as an apprentice with Port Vale, turning professional in December 1982. He had to wait until 29 January 1985 before he made his debut, in a 1–1 draw with Northampton Town in the Football League Trophy. He went on to make seven Fourth Division and three cup appearances in 1984–85. He played 19 league games in 1985–86, as the "Valiants" won promotion into the Third Division; he also scored his first senior goal, salvaging a point in a 1–1 draw with Burnley at Vale Park on 24 February. He played 34 games in 1986–87, as Vale secured their third tier status under the stewardship of John Rudge. After a reserve team match at Barnsley on 23 September 1987, he was attacked by a gang of youths whilst waiting at a fish and chip shop. He had his nose broken. He made 21 appearances in 1987–88, before he was released.

Exeter City

He joined Exeter City in June 1988 as one of manager Terry Cooper's first signings at the club. He briefly played in goal during an emergency against Peterborough United and would prank the local media by telling them he was a nephew of Gordon Banks. Despite playing in all but three of the "Grecians" games the following season, Banks was released from his contract at St James Park.

Bath City

In June 1989 he joined Bath City. He was Player of the Year the following season and became club captain for the four seasons after that. In five years at Twerton Park, he won the Somerset Premier Cup three times,…

He worked as a postman for four years while completing his training, before he was appointed as youth academy physiotherapist at Stoke City in 2007. He graduated from the University of Salford in 2007 with a degree in Physiotherapy. He worked as a postman whilst studying at university. In June 2019, he left Stoke to work as the head physiotherapist at Potteries derby rivals Port Vale. He retired from football in June 2022.

Playing statistics

Managerial statistics

Banks played cricket as a spin bowler for his hometown side, Stone, who he captained to the North Staffs and South Cheshire League Premier Division title in 2006. His younger brother Ian was also a professional with Port Vale but was released after just one year; he had a successful career in non-League football.