Banks makes SPL move

Banks: Well-respected figure at Gillingham

Hearts are currently sitting at the top of the SPL after a superb start to the season, but new manager George Burley has continued to seek out players to strengthen his squad for the coming season - and sees Banks as an excellent addition to his squad.

"We needed to provide experienced back-up for Craig Gordon, and Steve will do very well here at Hearts," Burley said today.

"The signing of Steve provides Hearts with good cover in this area of the side and that will be useful as the season goes on."

Banks had two stints at Gillingham, totalling 116 appearances - and he has also represented Blackpool, Bolton, Rochdale, Bradford, Stoke and MK Dons during his career.

Banksy was a superb shot-stopper for the Gills, whose finest hour probably came at the Britannia Stadium, as he almost single-handedly kept Gillingham in the Championship with a string of miraculous saves on the season's final day two seasons ago.

We wish Steve all the very best in his career north of the border - and hope to see him breaking into the Hearts side as the season progresses.