Stoke City F.C. Jimmy McIlroy were all players signed in the latter stages of their careers. Matthews was awarded a knighthood for services to football in the 1965 New Year's Honours list. This was followed by his final appearance for the club against Fulham in February 1965, shortly after his 50th birthday. Gordon Banks, England's 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, joined in 1967 for £52,000 from Leicester. Regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, Banks proved to be a shrewd signing for Waddington as he helped the club maintain stability in the First Division. During the close season of 1967, Stoke City played
Thomas S. Gordon Thomas S. Gordon Thomas Sylvy Gordon (December 17, 1893 – January 22, 1959) was a U.S. Representative from Illinois. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gordon attended the parochial schools and was graduated from St. Stanislaus College, Chicago, Illinois, in 1912. He engaged in the banking business 1916-1920. Associated with a Polish-language daily newspaper 1921-1942, starting as a clerk and advancing to head cashier and office manager. He served as commissioner of Chicago West Parks 1933-1936 and of public vehicle licenses 1936-1939. He served as delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1936. City treasurer of Chicago, Illinois from 1939 to 1942.