Ollie Banks: The Return

Chesterfield have announced the capture of midfielder Ollie Banks who head’s to the Spireites for the second time after leaving in 2016 for Oldham and links back up with former manager Paul Cook. 

Banks had his contract cancelled by mutual consent at Barrow just a couple of days ago. This comes following the appointment of Pete Wild, formerly of Halifax, who is trying to mould his own squad of players together. 

Banks arrived from FC United Of Manchester when he first signed for The Spireites and racked up 81 appearances during his first spell at the club. 

He lasted 3 years at Town in which time he also had a brief loan spell at Northampton in 2014. 

Since leaving The Spireites Banks has predominantly played his football in the football league apart from a few games in the National League with Tranmere. 

As well as featuring for Tranmere, Oldham, and Barrow since 2016 Banks also pulled on the red of Swindon during a loan spell in 2018 from Oldham. 

After breaking through at Rotherham, Banks has arguably just had the best season of his career to date. He scored 12 goals in 46 appearances last season from midfield as well as captaining the side. 

He only put pen to paper on a new deal last January so when it was announced Banks would be leaving The Bluebirds it came as a bit of a surprise for Barrow supporters despite slightly falling out of favour at the back end of last season. 

The 29 year old posted on Twitter: “I Always gave everything I had for the club on and off the pitch.

“I developed a great relationship with the fans and it was an absolute pleasure to captain the team.”

The deal certainly looks like a good one for Paul Cook’s side who needed to add to their midfield after the departures of Kellerman, McCourt, and Weston. 

Banks brings with him goals from midfield and much needed tenacity in the middle of the park which shows with his 14 yellow cards last season. 

The additions so far are exciting ones but it could be said that the latest signings lack a bit of experience and know how but Paul Cook will be hoping that Banks can add just that to his squad. 

Banks joins Joe Cook, Darren Oldaker, Bailey Clements, Michael Gyasi, Ryheem Sheckleford, George Cooper, and Branden Horton as the new additions so far this season.