The club can confirm that we will be holding a minutes applause this weekend when we host Morecambe, in memory of former Port Vale coach and 1966 World Cup winner Gordon Banks OBE.

Gordon sadly passed away this morning aged 81, news which left the football community and beyond devastated. 

A statement was released earlier today by his family via Stoke City Football Club: 

"It is with great sadness that we announce that Gordon passed away peacefully overnight. We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him."

Gordon was appointed as a coach here at Port Vale by former manager Dennis Butler back in 1977. The legendary goalkeeper made over 600 league appearances during a 15 year career in the football league at clubs such as Chesterfield, Leicester City and Stoke City.

He will be deeply missed by everyone, and as a club we send our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Gordon.