His Man Of The Match displays against Cardiff, Forest, Rotherham and Sunderland just typify his importance to Crewe's survival; because quite frankly he could have won the MOTM award for all nine matches he's played for Crewe.
He soon made himself a fans favourite with the fans; not only with his saves but the passion he gave the fans before, after and during games.
Williams won't be the only player saying farewell to Alex fans on Sunday afternoon, Bankole is definitely leaving Gresty Road this summer after 5 long years at Crewe. The Nigerian was re-signed from QPR in 2000 and with Jason Kearton leaving for Australia he went from third choice keeper to first choice and soon made the number one shirt his own.
A injury to Kearton meant 'Big George' played the 2nd half of the 00/01 season and was instated as number one for a good chunk of the 01/02 season. Bankole became the personality around Crewe and was, for some, a favourite. However, he rare form of 'goalkeeping' soon got too much for him and when he was at fault for all six goals against Coventry, as Crewe crumbled 6-1 at Gresty Road, it was the beginning of the end for Bankole.
He played the last six games of the 01-02 season but Clayton Ince nipped in during the summer of 2002 to take the number one shirt. The 33 year old was dropped to the bench and due to Clayton's amazing form he was only given the chance in LDV Vans and League Cup games. Bankole made just three league appearances last season and this season never featured for Crewe.
Bankole is out of contract this summer and was told in January that he wasn't going to be kept at the club but has had the chance to impress at Barnet and has seen interest from Brentford aswell. Dario has promised Bankole a full 2nd half appearance on Saturday to say goodbye.
Meanwhile, one uncertainty is captain Dave Brammer. Dario today confirmed that he and John Bowler (Chairman) will be finalising a contract to offer Brammer this summer, as his current one expires. The £500,000 signing from Port Vale is one hell of a chunk of Crewe's team and future but with wages being those of the ITV Digital era Brammer will have to take a significant pay cut to ramain at Crewe.
Brammer's future has been the subject of speculation all season with a lot of links to his apparent future being at Stoke. Nothing, as yet, is confirmed and we can only hope.