 Bannister's latter years as a professional included spells at Oxford United (on loan), Nottingham Forest (where, partnering Nigel Clough, he was unable the stop the team being relegated from the Premier League), Stoke City, Lincoln City and Darlington before retiring at the end of the 1995–96 season.He also spent one year (1993–1994) playing for Hong Kong Rangers.After retiring, he moved to St Ives, Cornwall becoming involved in hotel maintenance and property development.