By Matt Lawton
May 15 2002

Bolton Wanderers' reserve goalkeeper Steve Banks has turned down a move to neighbours Stockport and faced a barrage of criticism in the process. Former Blackpool 'keeper Banks turned down a permanent move to relegated County, claiming the contract he was offered wasn't as lucrative as the one he is presently on at the Reebok.
However, Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce criticised him after he turned down the offer of first team football saying, "Steve is up for sale. He has refused a move to Stockport and, whatever his reasons are, he was foolish to turn them down. He is a good goalkeeper who needs first team football and Stockport would have suited him. But then you are faced with the other scenario and the salary reduction is probably the reason why he hasn't gone. The reduction he would have to take at Stockport compared to Bolton would be considerable. Like most players he is not willing to face that prospect yet but ultimately they will have to face it when they run out of contract."