Blackpool: St Johnstone coach Steve Banks joins Seasiders

Banks helped Saints with the Scottish Cup

Steve Banks has joined Blackpool as goalkeeping coach after leaving St Johnstone, where the 43-year-old was still registered as a player.

Banks, who spent four years with Blackpool as a player, joined Saints in 2013 after leaving Dundee Utd.

The Scottish Premiership club's manager, Tommy Wright, told Saints' website: "It's always been Banksie's ambition to get back down south.

"And, when this opportunity came up, we couldn't stand in his way."

Wright has already conducted interviews to find a successor and an appointment is expected soon.

"He's one of the best coaches I've ever worked alongside and he's played a significant role in our successes over the past couple of seasons," said the manager.

Banks played six times for St Johnstone after leaving Dundee United in 2013

"He's a well-qualified, highly-rated coach and has been invaluable to me."

Englishman Banks made his senior breakthrough with Gillingham before joining Blackpool, who are now in League One and managed by Neil McDonald following relegation last season, in 1999.

He subsequently had spells with Bolton Wanderers, Rochdale, Bradford City, Stoke City and Wimbledon before his first move to Scottish football with Hearts in 2005.

Banks, who made six first-team appearances for St Johnstone, was on the bench as the Perth side defeated his previous club, United, 2-0 to lift the Scottish Cup in May 2014.

The Londoner added: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my two years at the club and leave with some of the best memories of my career.

"I've loved playing in Scotland, but it's always been my wish to get back down south eventually and this move gives me that opportunity."