Alan Ball tributes
We're collecting your tributes to one of England's world cup winning heroes Alan Ball who has died - aged 61.
He was the youngest member of the team. While that July day in 1966 may have been his proudest moment, Alan Ball also served with distinction for Everton, Arsenal, Southampton, Blackpool, and Bristol Rovers. He also had a career in management at various clubs including Exeter City, Manchester City and Portsmouth.
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Comments
RIP Alan Ball. Perpetual motion. A real footballing hero. World class in his day not a pre-madonna.
As an Evertonian he is a real hero to me. Wish his family complete sympathy.
Rest in peace Alan! Thank you for being an Everton player, a true toffee and for winning the world cup, you'll never be forgotten!
I am really saddened by the sudden death of Alan Ball.
Having watched the '66 final again recently it was obvious that he was the man of the match with his energy and enthusiasm. He was also the youngest on the pitch being only 21.
At least he has some company with Mooro already being there.
Hopefully the FA will arrange a minute’s silence on June the 1st against Brazil.
Top player. Top fella. I was the envy of my school football team with my white Alan Ball boots!
Alan Ball. Too young.
What a great player and so modest.
When I watch all these prima donnas of the footie field now, who believe they are ALL worth what they are being paid and very few are (shut up at the back Joey Barton) why is it I think back to the classes of 1966 at Mr Ball's era and wonder what all the fuss is about todays players.
Bread and Butter players - like Ball, J Charlton and Stiles - the staple diet - with the occasional jam like B Charlton, Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Allen Clarke, Martin Peters and Colin Bell
Mr Ball RIP - you will be missed.
Alan Ball will always be remembered in this part of the world for his great passion as a manager of Exeter City from 1991 - 1994. He had a great rapport with the fans and his defining achievement was doing the double over our fierce rivals Plymouth Argyle in 1992 - 1993. He also attended a club dinner a couple of years ago to raise funds to get us back on our feet and spoke very warmly about his time at Exeter. We were privileged to have him as our manager. [Giles from Exeter]
I had the pleasure of meeting Alan and his wife Lesley in Singapore and he gave me the great honour of allowing me to hold his world cup winning medal which he told me he caried everywhere with him at al times, he was a top class ledgend who was proud to be Engish and proud to have been a footballer for England.
Alan Ball.
He managed a lovely footballing team for Exeter City. We loved him.
A memory, watching him pass the ball like a master during a friendly against Portsmouth, wonderful, and he was no spring chicken.
Alan Ball 1966 World Cup Winner!
I remember the day and I am still waiting for a team of players who with your dedication, skill, and a will to win it again. We could wait for ever. God bless you.
A true gentelman, who contributed so much in personality alone to the game of football,and to all who experienced his enthusiasm,all this aswell as being a gifted player! R.I.P. Bally!!!
Paul Murray, Bolton
A sad day for football and England a true pro, my boyhood hero, a gentleman, legend, the likes of which will not be equalled for a long time. A sad sad day RIP Alan
The greatest player ever to pull on an Everton shirt in the post-war period - arguably ever. He was and always will be my hero, a world class player who always gave everything for Everton, the club that he loved above all others.
I will never forget the Alan Ball / Emlyn Hughes high pitched interviews before the FA Cup Finals.
As a Scotsman I had always had Bally down as a Jock hater.Could not have been more wrong. He was merely a winner and loved the battles with Scotland. I met Alan at a dinner for his book a couple of years back and a nicer man you could not meet. We were even born on the same day. R.I.P. Bally!
Alan Ball was my hero. I cried the day he left Everton. I recently went to a fancy dress party where we had to go dressed as the person we wanted to be. I went as Alan Ball and everyone I soke to had good things to say about him. His autobiography is also a great reflection of the man.
I was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Alan Ball. He was a truely great footballer and will be sadly missed. Bernie in Chorley
Respect to a true Football legend!1966 and all that.Will be sadly missed by all Football family!
RIP "Ball running himself daft" - Kenneth Wolstenhome
I used to watch Bally at Highbury in the 70's, when he took a penalty he hit the corner stantion every time!
written on the toliet wall in the Gunners pub in Highbury.....
"Jesus saves, but Bally puts in the rebounds"
What a Great Man.
I remember watching Alan Ball when i was only a little boy back in the 60"s.He did so much for football at Everton,Southampton,and his Country. Such a dedicated player in the England team,he will be greatly missed but never forgotten,even for being a pundit on tv for sport,rest in peace always remembered.
Apart from the wonderful football memories I have of Alan the best tribute that I can mention is the fact that today we will be mourning in both Southampton and Portsmouth.
The best one touch footballer England has seen.
God bless Alan
Alan Ball - a top class England international who gave his all for the Three Lions. One can only hope that the current generation of English international footballers realise what legends they have to live up to, and act and play accordingly. A great footballer and clearly an even better person and family man. Sincere condolences to his family, especially his son who made such lovely comments about his dad.
As a Liverpool fan with a family full of blues i knew how much Alan Ball was loved by Evertonians.
A true world class payer who will be sadly missed.
As a Sheffield United supporter, I use to dread Alan turning out against us. I think he was the first 'box to box' man and the phrase was invented for him. RIP Alan, and hopefully you are joining the wife you missed so much now you are both in heaven.
I shed a tear this morning whilst driving to work on hearing that Alan Ball had sadly passed away for when you think of a man of Alan Balls stature, reliablity, presence, passion, commitment, gentlenss and his infectious enthusiasm the world is a much sadder place a gentleman and Englishman and a lover of football is now playing on the best teamof all
God Bless Alan Ball and God Bless his fanily.
As a young Evertonian I was absolutely thrilled when Alan Ball moved to Everton. Because of Alan Ball I became an Everton season ticket holder. He was my hero as a teenager and my walls were full of his pictures. I wept bitterly the day I heard on the radio that he was moving from Everton to Arsenal. I can remember even today how I felt when I heard the news of his transfer on the radio. I couldn't believe it. Years later I couldn't believe the news on the radio of his death. I sat in my car and cried when I heard that he had died and heard those wonderful radio tributes from his friends in football. Thank you to Jackie Charlton, Howard Kendall and others for your words. It maybe a cliche to talk of an end of an era but he was a fantastic, fantastic player and a truly great character. God bless Alan.
I will always remember Alan Ball as a man who talked a great deal of football sense, certainly compared to some of the so called pundits around now!
RIP Mr. Ball.
I would just like to take this oppurtunity to say how devastaed my family and i are over the death of Alan Ball, seeing him a few times at Everton functions, he was fantastic with everybody!! A true Everton and England great, R.I.P
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news on Radio Five Live as I drove into work this morning.
As an 8 year-old, I was at Wembley with my Dad (we are both Welsh) to see England deservedly win the World Cup in 1966 - and Alan Ball was magnificent that day - as someone said on the radio - the man of the match.
English - no British - football has lost one of its true heroes.
RIP
RIP Alan, and thank you for all you did for Pompey. I only had the pleasure of watching him play once, in a testimonial game, when he was manager for us a second time and he still had class. Alan Ball's Blue and White Army.
The two games that I remember the most when Alan was playing was the obvious one, the 1966 World Cup final, where he ran the legs off of Schnellinger, the German full back who was then rated as the best left back in the world.The other was a league game for Arsenal, who they were playing I can't recall,but at one point the game was going on so fast that he sat on the ball, as if to say "Hey you lot, can we play at my pace now and then we'll have a decent game".
Great memories, a truly great player and a really lovely man.
You're going to be missed so much Bally, only the good die young.
This is just so horrible news.
I have been listening to 5-Live this morning with a genuine tear in my eye.
My memory of Alan Ball for Saints was the speech he gave about Mat Le Tissier. It was the most motivational piece I have witnessed. Truly inspirational!
And the result is that Matt played his best football, whilst under Alan Ball.
Thank you Alan Ball
Mark
Hemel Saint
God bless Alan Ball and his family from the Valley a true great English footballer. We'll miss that distinctive voice and bubbly personalities. Like all of the World cup team never really praised to the degree they deserved.
Even as an Aston Villa fan, Alan Ball was my footballing hero. His pure enthusiasm and love for the game could not be matched. A decent man who will be sadly missed by many.
I'm shocked by the death of Alan Ball.
The term "legend" is used too much, but Ball is an english football legend, principally because of 1966, but also because of his pure passion for the the game. This was very evident in 2006, when he was talking to the current england squad at a dinner in London. You could see that playing for England meant everything to him. The man had so much pride, it was just a shame that he could not transfer his passion onto our modern players.
Watched him many times at Goodison brilliant player always found so much space to work his magic - a wonderfull inspiring player
My first football hero.
Watching Sunday afternoon football on Granada the Everton side of '69-'70 were the stars of the show.
Ball,Kendall and Harvey were sheer class and Bally was the driving force.
A genuine footballing hero,he will be sadly missed.
R.I.P.
What sad news ... I've so much respect for Alan Ball, his passion and love for the game ... and there aren't many in the 90's that would have taken the 'poisoned chalice' managing my club Man City because of the risks to their reputation. Well done Alan, go and join Besty, Bobby Moore and the rest of the top guys in the ethereal locker room. Rest in peace my friend.
I am devastated. Bally was my boyhood hero. I had a picture of him in my wallet, next to my heart , for years. I remember him waiting for the ball to come across and controlling it with his backside.
I was 11 when England won the World Cup in 1966. Alan was the youngest so he became my icon and hero for his enthusiasm and tireless energy. Ken Wolstenholme aptly referred to him as "Mr Perpetual Motion".
When we played football on the local green I always had to be Alan Ball.
I am so sad today to hear this news.
As an Arsenal fan ,he shall be always missed, a great figure and part of English folk law.God bless him.
The news of Alan Ball's death is devastating. My deepest sympathies to his family.
I am 45 and a life long football fan and even though I am a supporter of Birmingham City, Alan Ball was a star who transcended the football world in the 70's when, as a kid, all I knew and thought about was football.
He represented all we wanted to be - passionate, talented, successful and oblivious to the trappings of the modern day player. He would have played for free or even payed to play if it meant he could pull on an England shirt again.
He represented football fans in ways that modern players would not comprehend. He was totally committed on the pitch and totally approachable off it.
Rest in peace Alan. As the saying goes, only the good die young.
Alan Ball will continue to live in my memory as an enthusiast, entertainer and inspiration to all. Apart from the '66 successs and his all round contribution to football, as well as his squeaky voice which my Dad loved to imitate, I retain a lasting image of the man "on stage".
It was 1968, and my team, Forest were at home to Everton in the FA cup quarter final. I was 10. Ball was first out and spent the warm up entertaining the large Everton following behind us. I was highly impressed by his array of 'keepy uppy' skills culminating in the now classic flick over the back of the head and catch on the back of the neck...great to watch. A flick over his head and back via a back heel followed...standard stuff by today's standards but amazing then. Not to be outdone, John Barnwell had a go at our end and proceeded to make a good humoured hash of it. Both sets of fans had a laugh and the two players shared a respectful handshake before proceeding to kick lumps out of each other in a closely contested 3:2 win for Forest. Alan Ball is a legend, a winner and a star who will be fondly remebered.
Alan
You were an inspiration to all Evertonians & all Englishmen.
RIP
Andy
A man with a high pitched voice, a football player with a high pitch tempo, and a true sportsman who was high on life, rest in peace my friend.
I remember Ballie winning the 1966 world cup, what a day that was.
Black and White tv and no widescreens then but the Passion was magnificient.
Never to be seen again i'm afraid.
Ballie was also manager of our team at Exeter for a while but it's for his energy and skill on the pitch that i remember him for.
Those were the days when players were highly rated not over rated and over paid.
Thanks for the memories Ballie.
Just a wonderful footballer - A hero of my childhood, even though I am a Palace fan I always wanted to be Alan Ball in the school playground. A sad day
When Alan Ball first played in the Blackpool team, they played Wolves at the Molineux. The late Eddy Clamp was his opponent and Eddy had a reputation as a hard player. Alan tried to match Eddy during the game and was on the wrong end of the stick. Towards the end of the game,Alan decided he had enough and set about Eddy with feet and arms in motion like pistons on the Flying Scotsman . The referee rushed over and whilst the referee spoke to Alan, Eddy Clamp kept Alan at arms' length by holding Alan's forehead.
At the end they walked off as though they were
old compsanians and my late
father said," That young lad is the one of the best one touch players I have ever seen but he will need to pick his punches better than to day."
I have always remembered that match, not much of what went on or what the score was, but of the wee fellow and Eddy Clamp in battle.
as an england player of 66 he will live on forever as a legend and an inspiration to many,sadly missed and my heart felt condolences go out to his family at this sad time,rest in peace alan.
My earliest Everton memories are of his red hair flashing round the pitch.
A class act, rest in peace Alan.
As a World Cup winner you will always be in the hearts of all English fans. Rest easy Alan and thank you for the good times.
one of the greats very very sad,tony
What sad news. A highly respected member of Southampton FC and always had time for a chat about football with us fans.
A bloke who was down to earth and honest.
A very sad sad day for football.
Alan was an exceptional person both as a player and Manager and as a Saints fan I remember all the great times he gavce us both as a player and as Manager.
He was well respected by everyone both in and outside of football and he was an inspiration to many.
I had the pleasure of seeing him at Claus Lundekvam's testimonial dinner on Saturday night and he was his usual bubbly self.
My condolences go to his family and all his friends.
Rest in Peace Bally
he is what an icon truly is, not these overated drama queens of the Premiership ( including the english players.)
thanks for the memories , Alan
I've seen Alan Ball speak at several Sportsmans' Dinners over the past few years he was always inspirational and passionate about the game. I was hoping that Alan would still be speaking when my son was old enough to go with me but sadly that won't be able to happen. I did suggest to him that he should speak to more young people about his early life and about how tough life actually was, I'm sure that they would have gone away as inspired as I did, it certainly would have given them plenty to think about. To Alan's surviving family, be proud and be strong, your father was a legend - on and off the pitch.
Without Alan's passion and commitment Pompey would not exist as a club - there would have been no Mandaric and certainly no Premiership. Not many people could have managed both south coast clubs and be loved by both sets of fans. The world is a poorer place without him, thanks for all you did for us Alan.
winner winner winner
thank you alan
Alan Ball was a proper English footballer not the money grabbing premaddonas that soil the game today.
From all the sweaty socks up here in jockoland, we pay tribute to the GREAT football legend that was Alan Ball, he skewered the scots many times with his speed and skill, a true english footballing hero,we salute you, ya canny wee sassanach, hail hail from all the celts fans to THE GREAT ALAN BALL, football genius.
always remembered (amongst other things) for his part in that glorious team on that glorious day.
fabulous redheaded dynamo
r.i.p
I am saddened by Alans death.He was a real winner.I will always remember those white boots he wore in the 70s.
RIP Ballie.....
Rest in Peace Alan
My thoughts are with your family and friends. A fantastic footballer and a true English hero.
Sai
Such sad news to wake up to today.
Alan Ball was the Portsmouth manager when I first started supporting Pompey and I met him briefly before a game to get his autograph. He was kind, cheery and gave me a quick hug (much to my embarrassment!) before talking to all the other supporters waiting to see him. We won't forget how well he did to get us into the First Division.
I loved his passion and warmth, and knew he was at a game (whether as manager, player or observer) for the same reason the fans were - because they love the game.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and saw him, and I hope he's reunited with his wife somewhere because her passing was sad too.
We'll all treasure fond memories of him.
I am a BWFC fan and sorry to hear of the sad death of alan ball,he was a great player in his time and all football fans should feel a great loss of this football great..a true great...
A sad day. As a Manchester City fan, he didn't have the happiest of times at Maine road during his tenure, but Alan ball wore his heart on his sleeve and was passionate about football. I never saw him as a player but from what has been said he never gave anything less than 110%.
Rest In Peace Alan, God Bless.
what a sad for football as we have lost a true football legend in alan ball a man who gave everything for the game as both player and manager his family can be proud of their father he was a true winner and always wanted to win
fans of my age (42) can remember him in his pomp at everton ,the gunners and the saints and i think he would make a gr8t partner for paul scholes at man u as he would in todays game have made a gr8t holding midfielder
today is a very sad day
we salute u alan ball
a legaed in every sense of the word
Terribly sad news about Alan Ball.
Being a huge Pompey fan I had met Alan Ball a few times and he was a truly great person.
One occasion stands out. I was at a function in London for Pompey fans, chatting to him with my wife, when a man come and stood behind Alan Ball. This man had a pile of stuff to sign, but had not ventured to speak to Alan Ball. Alan Ball turned around to this man and said hello, the man was disabled and had learning difficulties. Alan Ball for the next 45 minutes made that man feel like the king of the room, he signed everything, had photo's done, got the team over.
Standing there witnessing this was a privilege. Alan Ball was my hero for that one moment alone.
Alan Balls Blue and White Army, is now gods to support.
I think I saw Alan's last league goal. I was supporting Huddersfield away at Bristol Rovers. Town played well and it was 2-2 with a couple of minutes left. Ball takes possession 35 yards out - Bang - 3-2 to the home side. I didn't know whether to be heartbroken or thrilled.
Goodbye to a great and honest player.
Bally.....legend. One of only a few Englishmen to have won the BIG one.
And who remember THOSE white boots...
What a team Heaven's got!
sadly missed.
I cried the day Bally left Everton - and it took 13 years for the blues to truly recover. A true great who will always feature in any Everton all time best eleven along with Labby.
A tribute from the Toon.
What an inspiration - the running told the tale of his love for the game - soun ds like he was a great bloke off the pitch aswell .
Thoughts are with his family and friends - a sad loss.
RIP Alan Ball.
This man will be sorely missed in the world if football. A true pioneer of the game. When football was a mans game and real men played it.
As a Pompey fan I remember his 2 terms in the hot seat at Fratton Park. A great man with a great footballing mind.
My heart felt condolences go out to his family at this sad time.
He's now playing on that great football pitch in the sky.
Rest in Piece Alan Ball.
Alan Ball was manager of Southampton for one of the best performances by the club I have seen in person. It was the first season of Live Monday Night Football on Sky and Tottenham were playing Saints early in the season. Spurs were one of the first clubs to bring in foreign players and had Klinsmann and Dumitrescu in the line up. Spurs had started the season well apart from a home defeat to Man Utd. Saints were struggling as usual so we were expecting to get well beaten at White Hart Lane in front of the cameras. Sure enough Klinsmann scored past Grobbelaar in the Saints goal and we thought the inevitable was on the way. However whatever happened in the dressing room at half time the Saints team came out and ran their hearts out and fought for every ball. We equalised near the end through a Matt Le Tiss penalty then right near the end a mistake by the Spurs left back where we were standing allowed a cross to come over and Matt Le Tiss again (I think ) scored the winner. The Saints fans were a mixture of ecstasy and disbelief. The way the team played I felt sure was down to one man, Alan Ball.
My sincere sympathies to Alans family & many friends who have lost such a well loved & respected man.
I remember as if it were yesterday watching the world cup final as a 12 year old with my leg in plaster, courtesy of a slab of concrete knocked over on my foot courtesy of my brother Nigel then 8.
This did not stop us playing football in the garden at half time, me on cruches demanding to be Bobby Charlton, which was fine as my brother only wanted to have the part of Alan ball, being fairly short & the same Tigerish qualities I know why.
Very fond memories & it is so sad & ironic that Alan has passed away so young as his Father did.
We & very many others are very proud of what Alan represented & acheived throughout his life, RIP. Tony
Alan was an outstanding player,always remember him for his brilliant football,mark northern ireland
My partner has just text me the very sad news,she knew what a hero he was of mine. Never had the privilege to have met the great man,but ever since 66 when I was 8, I have followed his career,even to the extent of wearing the enemy's colours when I was a very young lad at Everton for a FA cup encounter with my beloved Boro, my dad and his mates were not best pleased!!
My sincere condolences to all he left behind
R.I.P Bally
Alan had the biggest heart in football, how sad it should fail him at the end. I always felt he was a thoroughly decent man, I would have loved to have knownhis parents.
Alan Ball was Southampton manager when I was taken to my first match. I was a little young to understand everything back then, but my father has always spoken about what a special player and man Alan Ball was. I'm ashamed to admit I didn't always listen to what my father was telling me about him, but nevertheless I feel like I've lost a friend today. Ball was a great man, a great servant to the game of football and will be greatly missed by ALL football fans.
A great player, with tremendous enthusiasm and stamina.
An England icon. His contribution to the England team throughout the winning 1966 campaign has always been acknowledged.
A supreme personality.
Respected throughout world football.
A sad day for the football world as he passes on to the playing field in the sky.
Thanks "Bally" - your legacy is eternal.
Very sad day.
Being a follower of Pompey & Arsenal for over 30 years Bally is special.
I'm glad to say I saw him playing for one & managing the other.
He was a skilful, fair & hard working player who took those values into management.
I also remember one occasion at Barnet FC (my main love) watching Arsenal v Pompey Reserves, when the great man sat down in the main stand right in front of me & thinking "wow I'm sitting with Alan Ball!"
I was honoured to work with Alan at Exeter City Football Club and retained contact with him ever since. He was quite simply the epitomy of a "real" Football Person. Whether Playing, Coaching or Managing he was an inspiration to everybody who came into contact with him and the beuatiful game is much the poorer for the parting of a true great - may he rest in peace, and if there is a great Team up there somewhere, no doubt he's already involved!
He will be missed. He was a gentleman and a great player. I wrote about him in Socca Critics.
Ballie a great saint. you will be sadly missed by all in the city and the club
When I was a 9 years old, Alan did a football presentation at my club at the and of the season. I will always remember the talk he gave to us, about the importance of staying in school, listening to your parents and making sure you went to bed on time, so that you could be ready to play football the next day. He told us that while other kids were out till late at night, he was in bed getting his rest so that he could play better in his next game. He was commited to the beautiful game even then. When I won an award at the presentation he gave me a high five and said well done. My Dad managed to get a photo of that moment and we both had a look of joy on our faces like he knew what it felt like to win. I will always remember that day.
Alan Ball - not justa great footballer, but a great man. My wishes go out to his family and friends,
from Mark, 25, Berkshire.
Simply the best. Reminds us that England will probably never win the World Cup again.
I heard the very sad news this morning regarding Alan Ball's death. Alan was a remarkable player who in my opinion was the "unofficial" man of the match in the 1966 World Cup Final.
I am a Liverpool fan but I can appreciate the talent of a player who played for Everton.
Rest in peace Alan you will be sadly missed by true football fans no matter what team they support.
Alan Broadfoot
To this day, I still remember the feeling I had when Alan helped win the World Cup - at least I experienced that once in my life - many won't!
Cruelly taken far too early, but he will always be remembered. He made us proud throughout his career, whoever he was playing for or managing at the time.
My thoughts are with the family of this lovely little feller
God Bless
A sad loss for English football. My thoughts are for Jimmy and his sisters
As I sit here in my office as a 49 year old man, I'm looking at my large signed, framed photo of the 'Holy Trinity' of Ball, Kendall & Harvey and I can't believe Bally has gone. As a boy, he was was my absolute hero as I watched him grace Goodison in that wonderful 'School of Science' championship team of 69/70. When I drew simple pictures of footballers, as young boys do, mine always had an Everton kit, red hair and white boots, what a legend. Alan was a gentleman and offered the enthusiasm of ten men. He will never be replaced. He suffered terribly in recent years with the loss of his beloved wife Lesley, but continued to be courageous. I never met Alan, but there is a tear in my eye as I write this. My all time hero has gone and a small light has gone out in my life. God Bless you Alan and sincere condolences to your family.
I first saw Alan play when I was a small boy in '79 at The Dell. He was unfashionable to most of us youngsters, but he was my hero. I think it was the work ethic & the fact that, thanks to his ironically diminuative stature, he stood out that made him a great in my eyes.
It turns out I could not have had a better role model.
Coincidentally, I've just finished his autobiography. (a very good read) There's something for everyone to take out of it.
Thank you Alan. I will always remember you.
Players of today - please take note.
As a Scot it was hard to accept how good he was but he was brilliant & came accross on television as a nice guy.God Bless
The holy trinity of Ball, Harvey, Kendall has broken up. 12 months after the death of another Everton and England great, Labone, Alan Ball has left us too soon. He gave us great stories at the Everton nights but will always be one of the greatest ever Everton players (who scored regularly aginst Liverpool). It will be a proper minutes silence on Saturday Alan.
A year to the day that we lost another legend in Brian Labone we lose another in Alan Ball, a tragic loss to football and to Everton FC I'm sure all blueboys wish his family their condolences today. Rest in Peace Watercarrier
I shall never forget Alan Ball, such a proud man and in my opinion the complete player. He would have walked to every England game and played for nothing. Just putting on the England shirt made him appear head and shoulders above the rest.
Nothing less than 110% was good enough effort wise to him.
My sincere condolences to his family.
R.I.P MR Alan Ball.(never to be forgotten)..............
True EVERTON LEGEND R.I.P
I met Allan when he was Pompey's manager the first time and spent time with him on the training ground. As a player who was on Pompey's books back in the fifties I would go over to Ftatton Park every year. I have lived in Canada since 1956 where I coach. Every time I would see Allan on my trips he welcomed me with open arms. Here he was, a legend in the game and me virtually a nobody, but it didnt matter to him. He was unbelievably generous with his time and we would talk football endlesly. He was allways interested in what I saw at the training ground and would ask what do you think of this player or that player. I have known many managers in my time but Allan was the kindest , most genuine and most passionate of them all. He will be really missed. My sincere prayers go out to his family at this very sad time.
Ed Abrook. Oakville Canada
My tributes to the family of Alan Ball who's football talents will always be remembered.
Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for game with us. Rest in peace Alan.
RIP Mr Perpetual Motion
A legend for England, an eternal hero for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and Southampton - a manager revered by fans of many clubs above and beyond his achievements. A generous spirit blessed with great skill, vision energy and enthusiasm. World Cup winner, Championship winner, Derby match hero....MBE Most Brilliant Evertonian
Toffee Dan
as has been said already, Alan Ball will be equally mourned in Pompey and southampton equally. i doubt that will happen again. it speaks volumes for the character of the man and reading these tributes tells us that he, as a human being, trascended our petty tribal strifes and was universally 'a proper footballer.'
I echo what was said earlier about doubting that there would be a Portsmouth FC had not Alan Ball gor his teams playing well enough for Milan Mandaric to see the potential.
On a day when Pompey fans are 'celebtrating' our new stadium announcement, there is a part of each and every one of us, touched by sadness. A sadness shared by supporters of all the other clubs he played for managed or even beat throughout his whole footballing life.
RIP Mr Ball, you have the respect of the nation I feel
Equinox
Man of the match in the World Cup (sorry Geoff) So sad he died at such a young age, 61 is nothing these days, we have a 76 year old in our squash league. he could leave a legacy to Heart diesease research however in that if it was shown he had any of the risks eg High Blood pressure, high Cholesterol, family history, smoking etc you know you could say even a 6 million dollar man (and that is what he would cost today), can suffer a heart attack.
A giant,RIP Allan
As a 53 Evertonian I remember Bally in his heyday at Goodison and his later playing years at Southampton.
A great first touch, wonderful passer and underrated finisher. In my opinion the best post war Everton player .
At the age of 6 I remember watching Alan Ball in the world cup final. He was my hero. He moved to Everton from Blackpool for a then world record transfer fee of £220,000. I was an Everton fan. In 1972 he transferred to Arsenal for a new world record transfer fee of £440,000. I became an Arsenal fan. (Still are!)
He was the best; commitment, engery and superb skill all wrapped up in a small dynamic bundle.... RIP.
A great loss to football but him and booby moore wil be starting an angels 11 now god bless him resr in peace
a gooner
Alan was a great player and ambassador for the game. My sympathies go out to his family, he will be sorely missed. ( A Liverpool supporter).
Alan contributed much to football.
I shall remember his voice and his audacious action when sitting on the ball whilst playing for Arsenal against a poor Sheffield United side.
Sad day for football, even at the last World cup his views on England were so right and I remember thinking, he should be in charge today, he's still so pasionate.
RIP Alan.
RIP Mr Perpetual Motion
A legend for England, an eternal hero for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and Southampton - a manager revered by fans of many clubs above and beyond his achievements. A generous spirit blessed with great skill, vision energy and enthusiasm. World Cup winner, Championship winner, Derby match hero....MBE Most Brilliant Evertonian
Toffee Dan
I just got this from my Mum who left England to live in Kenya in the 60s:
How sad to hear about Alan Ball today. He was my hero and between him and Colin Harvey and Howard Kendall they made up the finest midfield in England in the sixties and seventies and it was like poetry in motion. He was of my footballing time before I left to live in Kenya and lost touch.
I watched him on the day when they won the championship under Harry Catterick and saw the team run round Goodison holding the Cup after winning the league. Great old days. Sad how he died and the fact that it was the one year anniversary of Brian Labone! It will be a memorable day on Saturday to acknowledge and remember him.
I hope one day that Everton can be that team again.
rip alan football has lost a great man
a great guy. Class player who will never be forgotten. I am a member of 606 and there are about 345+ posts all with tributes.
rest in peace.
Bobby Charlton is right - Alan Ball was outstnding in the 1966 World Cup final and played like two men. Awesome performance. He also almost single handedly kept the worst Arsenal team of the last 40 years in the old first division in 1976.
Top man, top footballer, a true gentleman on and off the field. Sleep tight Alan reunited with your mate Bobby. Much sympathy to Alan's family in losing one so young.
Deepest sympathies to the Ball family. Allan was only a Vancouver Whitecap for a short time, but during his time here he was a true leader and inspiration on the pitch. Thanks for the memories!
LEGENDS WILL LIVE FOREVER AND ALAN YOU ARE A LEGEND AND YOU ARE WINNER. MAY THE BEST PLACE IN HEAVEN BE YOUR RESTING PLACE. I SEND YOU THIS CONDOLENCES ON MYBEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ALL GAMBIANS HOME AND ABROAD. MAY YOUR SOULD REST IN ETERNAL BLISS.
Alan Ball was my only real football hero although I saw many of the greats in the 60's. As an exiled Evertonian in living in Devon I visited the pub he and Lesley ran near Tiverton, when Alan was manager of Exeter City. I met his lovely wife Lesley who told me to come back the next day as she said he would love to talk about his time at Everton. Unfortunately the next day he got the Southampton job and was gone so I never did meet him. God bless you Alan you were much loved.
Gordon McGovern
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Alan's sudden and unexpected death. My sincere condolances to his friends and family. I still have his book that was given to me as a present last Christmas. As a lifelong Blackpool supporter I had the priveledge of seeing Alan Ball make his debut for Blackpool and to go on to be the best midfield player Blackpool has ever had, including the great Sir Stanley Matthews. It was no coincidence that Blackpool dropped out of the first division the first season after Alan moved to Everton. I will always have very happy memories of young Alan in the Blackpool number 8 shirt. God Bless you Alan and rest in peace.
I was privileged to have seen Alan Ball in his Everton days, when as part of the Ball-Kendal-Harvey midfield, they swept aside Southampton 5-1 at the Dell; magnificent player, inspirational to everyone whoever saw him play, and such a sad, sad loss at such a young age.
Goodbye Alan, and condolences to your family and friends
a great player.
a great man.
a great evertonian.
I cried as a 9 year old kid when ballie left everton,and i cried as much today 36 years later.
R.I.P. BALLIE we will never see your likes again.
A Sad Day for all Everton and England football fans, Everton have lost a True Blue and a dear son, England have lost a national hero,My boyhood hero as an Evertonian and I even supported Arsenal for a month when Alan moved to highbury. You will always remain a Goodison hero as you now grace the pastures green in the sky in those famouse white boots, Goodbye Mr Ball a great loss but never to be forgotten by all your friends at Goodison Park , condolences to your family and friends.
I was 8 years old when I watched England win the World Cup. Alan Ball was an inspiration. I was upset this morning when I heard the news, but I've cried this evening whilst reading all the comments above.
A wonderful, wonderful man. He will be sadly missed.
Rest in peace.
As a 8 year old I modelled my game on him as a youngster after the 66 final even now at 49 I still remember Bally as a player who just ran and ran but could play a bit as well. Paul Scholes is the current modern player who reminds me of Bally, god bless you Bally and your family, thank you for the pleasure you brought to the masses both as a player and a manager RIP
we were there in 66. what a day , what a player what a man, thanks bally. they dont make them like you anymore.
A Great player and Manager a sad loss
for the world of Football,
My thoughts and prayers to his family
and friends, R I P
Broke our hearts when Everton sold Alan - he should have been picked for England while playing for the Saints as well - what a player!
As a Manchester City Fan I cannot say you were the greatest Manager ever to be at Maine Rd But as a player there were not many like you who was as talented and exciting to watch.
True Blues will miss you
For me Alan will always be part of that summer of '66 for me.As a football mad 12 yr old I watched all the games on the BBC,then re enacted them all over again with my pals.His passing brings back to me those long happy summer days!Although he played for the blue part of Merseyside whilst I supported the red half I always admired the man. He seemed so down to earth and a decent person.
God Bless Alan,may you rest in Peace.
Gone but not forgotten. Alan played in Vancouver back in '79. He help us win the NASL championship that year. Canadian soccer fans will always remember Alan. Sympathies go out to the Ball family.
Great footballer, great man.
My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time.
Alan? a REAL footballer another "great" gone
Great sympathy to his family from every football fan.
As an Exeter City supporter he is one of the great managers we have had at St James's Park. He loved our club and when the team went out against Argyle we knew it meant as much to him as to us by the commitment and desire they always showed against our real rivals.
It was so sad he didnt win more as a Manager , but he was loved and appreciated . He didnt need to do much more after '66 but what a player !!!!!
As a proud Englishman he stood "tall" as an example to all that followed in an England Shirt.
We were lucky
He will be mourned and greatly missed
God bless!!!!
What a great player, yes once again I'll mention those dazling white boots.
I remember the first time my younger brother and I first went to watch an Arsenal game, it was against West Ham Utd (my brothers team).
We were standing in the famous old North Bank, right in the front faces to the fencing.The score was 1-1 and time was running out when all of a sudden.."PENALTY"
And who gets up to take it.."Bally"..Ref blows the whistle and..GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!!
straight in, keeper totally wrong footed, and off he goes in celebration around the back of the goal and is screaming YES! YES! YES!.He was just feet away from me and seemed to be looking straight at me when he was shouting. I'm sure we have all had those moments when we think there is just the goal scorer and you totally together after a goal has been scored...WOW.
Well, I'm 47yo now and have seen a few players come and go at Arsenal, some better and some not as good as Bally, but there is one thing for sure that no other player who has shown such enthusiasm on and off of the pitch, nor has a player ever been in "The Moment"with me as Bally was that Saturday afternoon all those years ago.
RIP Bally and keep those boots clean for when I come to watch you again upstairs one day.
All my sincere thoughts and condolences to his family
Alan Ball...full respect to a football legend! May peace be with you, say hello to Bestie for us all, untill we all meet again..God-bless. Debbie Nogre`.
I was fortunate to take Alan & Leslie Ball to Singapore to play in a charity match for orphaned children and then take a week's holdiay in Langkawi. If Alan had a smart tie on, clean shoes and some cash in his pocket, he was always such a happy man. He was also a little superstitous and walking on the beach in Langkawi we came across a 'bum' store when his eye took to a Buddha which my wife purchased for him and told him that it was a lucky charm and you had to put him in a window facing the sun and rub his tummy three times and he would bring you luck. On his return from the Far East, Alan took it over to his place in Spain and did just that. The next day, Alan got a call from Francis Lee who told him that Manchester City wanted him as their next Manager and that he had been given permission by the Southampton Board to speak to him. He was upset as he was vey happy at Southampton where he had Le Tissier playing out of his skin. The offer from City was wonderful and he had to go because he knew that the Board at Southampton by giving permission did not want him any more!. He told us this story when he had us to dinner as a thank you for his'Buddah'. As an after dinner speaker, he was second to none and the word'Passion' keeps reoccuring. I shall always remember the standing ovation he received at the Hong Kong Football Club. He always had time for everyone and being Patron of Wimborne Town Football Club you only had to pick the phone up and he would help. We shall miss our friend, but like many others will never forget him and if there were more people like him in the World it would be a much better place.
Alan
A true footBALL legend
With deepest sympathy
RIP
Since I heard the news early this morning I have had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat all day and my thoughts have constantly been with Alan Ball and his family. He was a friend of my family during his days at Arsenal when he lived in Essex. I was a young girl (I am about the same age as his daughter Mandy) but I remember the many happy times our families and the whole group of friends spent together. 'Bally' was close to my father Ernie Sumsion and I think saw him as a bit of a father figure at that time as he was 19 years his senior. He was a gregarious, kind, gentle man who loved to party, to entertain with his stories and to have fun but who also had time for everyone and made friends wherever he went. My father has been shocked and saddened by the news of his death and on behalf of the Sumsion family I would like to send our sincerest condolances to his children for their tragic loss. God bless you Alan.
I'm sat in Istanbul watching Chelsea Liverpool semi and see the teams line up in tribute. Then I hear the Turkish commentator mention Alan Ball, I had no idea....What a sad loss I've always rated Ball and remember him from my childhood. Condolences to his family and loved ones. A Great and sadly missed
Alan Ball was a tremendous player and seeing the 1966 world cup again he was great
Rest in Peace Alan and may you meet with your wife
I was so sorry and sad to hear of Alan Ball's sudden death.
He was a wonderful player, a driving force, an enthisiast, who made a difference to any team that he played for.
I, like many others, will never ever forget his part in England's 1966 victory.
Alan BALL
Did not even have the honour of seeing you play , I was too young,so I can only go off what legend is passed down, you will always be EVERTON ,EVERTON will always be you,you are an inspiration not as a footballer because that goes without saying,but, as a man .
Legend.
Rest In Peace
Will always be remembered with the greats, you made football.
Thoughts with the family
Ball, Kendall and Harvey. The greatest midfield ever led by the best of the lot Alan Ball. An inspirational player - a geat loss. He will be remembered for many many years.
One of the major reasons that England won that world cup. Will be sadly missed!
When Alan Ball came back to Everton for the first time with Arsenal he was captain for the day. As the Arsenal team came out of the tunnel the rest of the Arsenal team stood still in the tunnel (unbeknown to Alan Ball and let him run to the centre of the pitch alone. He received a MASSIVE ovation from the entire Goodison crowd. It was a wonderful and fitting moment for a great player and a great man.
***RIP***
Alan Ball was a world cup hero playing for peanuts compared to what these overpayed players earn these days!! Always giving his all for club and country,Thanks for the memories, You will always be remembered.
I will never forget the man who was my first football hero......a true great of English football.A sad day for football fans everywhere.
R.I.P.
a true legend and an all round nice fella...
i had the pleasure of meeting him last year in Spain..all i wanted to do was shake his hand and say how much of a legend he was....
he seemed shocked and suprised...and obliged with a big smile and a warm handshake....
one of the true gents of the game.
Very sad. My all time Arsenal AND football hero. I still remembering him scoring after 13 second v. ManU at Highbury in the 70's. Such a skillfull player...
another true great .there must be some great teams in heaven .r.i.p alan from michael glasgow celtic fan
Such sad new RIP Ballie gone but never forgotten '66 will live forever
Many remember how Alan Ball was after he stopped playing, a passionate footballing man with a common touch. I remember him as a passionate, skillful midfield player with a will to win and who gave his all whatever shirt he wore.
Many remember his display in the World Cup final, I took great delight in his dispaly in the quarter final against Argentina. His demeanour when Rattin was being sent off and what he was saying to his colleagues (lipread it) typified the man.
Oh, if the so called current England superstars had half his, commitment never mind won more than the one significant championship that the country has won.
Bally RIP, a true great of English football, and thats from a Welshman!
They rave about Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters but by far the best player in the team then was Bally.
We would not hav won the World Cup without him, he will be missed throughout the sporting world.
I had the pleasure of watching Bally as an Everton season ticket holder during the period of 1967-71. My abiding memory of him was the trick he was able to employ while running with the ball at speed with his right foot leading then stepping over the ball and using his left foot to flick pass the ball to another player. I have never seen anyone try this since. Sadly missed. Everton died for 14 years following his transfer to Arsenal
They rave about Hurst and Peters but by far the best player in that team was Bally.
We would not have won the World Cup without him.
He will be sadly missed in the sporting world.
wot an inspiration.thanx 4 the white boots.
such sad news as soon as i heard i had to get in touch with my dad we both loved him all our thoughts are with Mr Ball's family .. a true hero
I shed a tear today when I heard about the death of Alan Ball. As an Evertonian, I remember with pride the day that Everton signed him from Blackpool in August 1966 from under the noses of the other top teams. I also remember how my Christmas of 1971 was ruined when Harry Catterick decided to sell him to Arsenal, despite his pleas to stay. That was a sad day, but this is the saddest. RIP.
Where does one start?
RIP Alan Ball. A sad day for football. My sister sent me an E-mail with the news. I couldn't believe it.
We know the family, my sister more, she went to school with one of his daughters. My brother had a framed painted picture of Alan wearing the saints kit, those were the days!!! for his birthday, he was so chuffed.
Condolences to the children, our thoughts are with you during this hard time.
Alan you are now reunited with your beloved wife Lesley.
Another great Everton Legend passes away, will be greatly missed by all Blues fans who where lucky enougth and old enougth to have seen him play in those white boots. The ginger haired dynamo.
Sorry to hear of the death of Alan Ball. He will be remembered as part of our nations history.
Truly a sad day for football.
And sadder still, Alan had to sell his medal to feed his family. And just an MBE..years later!
Sad.
Alan, Rest in Peace, for we are the poorer for your passing, Heaven is enriched by your joining.
One of the proudest days in my life was, as a kid, sitting next to my dad watching the World Cup Final of 1966.
Several men are called Hero, few are, and even fewer live up to that title, you scored 100% in each count.
It was a privilege to watch you play, god bless you
Barry Poulter
A gentleman, an inspiration, a legend. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
I remember watching Alan during my youth and we all tried to emulate him in the playground(I had the boots aswell). All that has been said about the man today shows what affection and high regard he was held in, a stark contrast to the so called players of today.
RIP Alan Ball
The man could run for miles, demonstrate tackling as a (now fast disappearing)skill, leave players for dead over 5 yards, see things that others couldnt, deaden the ball with one touch, and pass like no other. None of the Premiership players can really do all of this in one match, let alone for seasons at a time. Awesome.
I remember Alan Ball from my first England game V Russia in 67.He was a star that night and my hero for many years to follow,thanks for the memories Alan, God Bless
Who's the greatest of them all?
Alan Ball.
RIP - Nil Satis Nisi Optimum.
A true football hero. Rest in Peace.
mark
I was deeply saddened when I heard about Bally dying today. I remember watching him from the Kop (Bloomfield road not t'other one) as a teenager at Blackpool. He was exciting to watch and a power house of energy that often got him into trouble. But at least at the end of the match you knew he had given 110%.
What seems to have been forgotten in much that has been written today, is that he was a Blackpool player when he played in the 66 World Cup win. I just hope Blackpool can go on and win promotion at the new Wembley as a tribute to the man who graced the old Wembley and was proud to wear an England shirt.
What is especially moving for me today is where he died Warsash in Hampshire, my late mother's home as a child.
Bally, Gone but certainly not forgotten. Thanks for the memories.
I was lucky enough to have seen him play for and manage us. He arguably had some of his best performances whilst in the Red & White and he got the best out of that other SFC Legend that is MLT.
My condolences to Alans family.
With Ossie on Teds left hand and Alan on his right we have three true Saints watching over us.
Lets do the Big Men proud and get this team back where they would all want it, in the Premiership.
RIP Alan Ball, forever a Saints Legend
I've been a Southampton fan since 1977. What a thrill being a young lad with Alan Ball, Mick Channon and Kevin Keegan in your team. I met Alan Ball at Butlins once when I was a lad and he ran a 5-a-side coaching session. He took a session with the younger kids and his enthusiasm was amazing. My brother was about 8 and played against him. Bally nutmegged him and took the mickey out of him something bad! The image is burnt firmly in my mind despite being 25 years ago. How he loved being with those kids. Taken from us far too young.
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Very sad to hear of Alan Balls death.
A very good player and a very decent bloke who loved football.
A lot of todays spoilt babies could learn a lot from him.
United will be up against it on Saturday at Goodison now in waht wil lbe an emotion charged day, Im sure the reds in the ground will observe any minutes silence as well as the Everton lads did after Matt Busbys death in 93.
R.I.P ALAN BALL
ANDY HEALEY - 25 YRS M.U.F.C S.T HOLDER - NOW FC.UNITED
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Please extend my condolences to the family and friends of Alan Ball. I was still at school in 1966 and will never forget that match. Alan always came over well when interviewed, his passion for the glorious game was always in evidence, and he was a real gentleman. Alan, you will be much missed,you lit warm fires in cold rooms.
Stephanie
RIP in peace Alan. Footballs true gentleman. The player who played in white boots and graced the park for every team he played for.
Thanks Alan Ball, you were the greatest
I'm sad for two reasons today: First, having been an Everton fan since I was 7, it's always a real shame to see an icon of the club pass away.
Second, I wish I'd got to see the guy play more. I'm 30 now, so his prime playing days were a bit before my time. But from knowing our history and legendary players, plus what I've read on messageboards, Ball obviously played the game with passion, flair and remarkable energy. In addition, the fact that he was a true gent - polite and generous - is a rare commodity in many footballers today.
My thoughts and sympathies to the Ball family. What a great loss for Everton and for football.
Very sad to hear of Alan's passing.
I remember him well from his days he played here in Canada for Vancouver of the NASL. I read he was the best
player on the field that day in 66
when England won the World Cup.
He will always be remembered.
Seeing you rush around the pitch in '66 made me a fan for life and I've loved every minute of it. Thanks for all the memories Alan. May you find eternal peace with your lovely wife and condolences to your family.
Red hair
White boots
Blue shirt
Red, white and blue heart
I first met Bally as a 12 year old when he played for Bristol Rovers at Pompey. He got terrible stick throughout the game for his connections to Southampton and after the game we waited for over 1 and 1/2 hours to get his autograph. When he came out he jokingly asked if we'd given him stick and then proceeded to sign our programmes, give us a pat on the head and then thanked US for waiting around for him. It was an honour and privilege to meet such a great player and a great man. He took Pompey to the top flight for the 1st time in over 25 years and will always be remembered and revered for that.
God has now got the answer to his midfield problem. Ball and Bremner together in the same team - ouch.
Rest in Peace Bally and thanks for everything.
My favourite player. I switched from Everton to Arsenal when he transferred.
My sympathy goes to the family.
I had the plesure of meeting Alan through his son Jimmy who was one of my school friends, Alan left a lasting impression on me and one i will never forget, "i went round to Jimmys house and Alan came home from work (stoke manager)". He came in full of life and shook my hand and he said thats a good hand shake you have got their son. Those words have stayed with me forever.
From that day On Jimmy and I would go to the home matches with Alan and if the result was good we would have a good sing song on the way home.
Thanks Alan
Again I am another person who's boyhood hero was Alan BALL. I first went to see Everton with my Dad in 1966 after the World Cup to see the greatest team, with Alan BALL fresh from his world cup exploits, also teamed up with West, Labone, Gabriel and the Golden Vision, Alex Young.
The next season I became a season ticket holder and remained so through the epic 1970 championship year.
We saw the Holy Trinity be born with Ball, Kendall and Harvey ably supported by Tommy Jackson.
I ceased being a season ticket holder in 1971 for two reasons, 1) the sale of Alan Ball to Arsenal 2) leaving school to start work.
I remember the day he was sold as if it was yesterday.
He was the scourge of the KOP, we never quite reached the same pinnacle after he left. I remember being at Anfield in 1970 season when we beat them 2-0 I couldn't get a ticket from the Anfield Road End and had to stand on the KOP (in a corner) What we would do to see AB.
Heartfelt Condolences to Alan's family, to lose both parents so young and in quick succession is devastating. Take comfort from the esteem Alan was held by the Nation (and the Scots).
RIP Mr Perpetual Motion
A legend for England, an eternal hero for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and Southampton - a manager revered by fans of many clubs above and beyond his achievements. A generous spirit blessed with great skill, vision energy and enthusiasm. World Cup winner, Championship winner, Derby match hero....MBE Most Brilliant Evertonian
Toffee Dan
I spoke briefly with Alan Ball during a sportsmans dinner when he was managing Man. City. He was very personable and genuine, taking time out to write and autograph a message for my young Niece. He made no bones about how proud he was to be a World Cup winner for his Country, his proudness and patriotism never diminished....... Bye Bye Bally, and from a fellow Englishman, THANK YOU.
Neil ( San Antonio, Texas )
Being Scottish Alan Ball was someone you loved to hate as an opponent, but someone you would pick every time to be on your side. Absolutely fantastic competitor with a great touch and vision.
Truly a great loss for his family and friends and all true football fans.
I am sure all of Scotland will raise a glass and toast a truly great football player.
As a Scot, who has never supported any of the teams for which Alan played, I nonetheless admired his enthusiasm and commitment greatly.
His contribution to England's World Cup success can never be under estimated.
People with such heart are few and have to be treasured. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. His family and his country can be proud of a great patriot and a gentleman.
Ian.
A sad day. Football has lost a real hero. Who can forget that red-headed dynamo covering every blade of grass at Wembley on that once-in-a-lifetime July afternoon? I had his picture on my wall for years.Rest in peace and sincere condolences to his family
ALAN BALL,THE BIG THING I REMEMBER ABOUT ALAN WAS THE STATEMENT HE OFTEN MADE"WHEN YOU PLAY FOR ENGLAND YOU SHOULD NOT BE PAID"People like Rio Frediand should remember.ALAN WAS FANTASTIC.GOD REST YOUR SOULD LOVE TO ALL YOUR FAMILY.RIP
Alan Ball : Legend Portsmouth will never be the same having lost one of our favorite sons rest in peace. Alan Ball's Blue And White Army Forever
I am a peruvian who was lucky to be in England at the time of the World Cup in 1966. I attended the games and certainly the one against Germany. Indeed Allan was the Lungs of the team and when he had the ball it was a relief for the rest.....Yes, for me, he was the player of the day.
Rest in peace Mr Ball and may I express my deepest sympathy to his family.
A fan from Lima-Peru.
just one of the best.
I was moved by the stories and the coverage for Alan; he was a true gentleman, a wonderful father husband and friend and it just reminds you have very short life can be - make the most of it.
He did not have a bad bone in his body and it was sad that his chiidren have now lost both their mother and father.
Alan Ball
Once a blue always a blue. Say hello to Labby and Dixie for us
RIP
Listening to the coverage yesterday and reading the tributes above is deeply moving. If more of us had even a few of the qualities that Alan Ball displayed as a player and a person the world would be a much better place. Rest in Peace Sir.
As a young teenager I first saw Alan Ball in a tangerine & white jersey playing for Blackpool. He became my hero. He rattled defences with his tireless running and vision. I remember my Dad taking me to Anfield in the early 60's to see Blackpool beat Liverpool 2-1. My Dad was a very vociferous supporter of Blackpool. Someone in the Liverpool crowd called Ballie a "Dirty little b*****d!" To which my Dad replied " You wish you had him!!!" Some time later he was signed by Everton. I cried. I cry now 45 years later.
Alan Ball epitomised many of the beliefs, passions and loyalties of the beautiful game, that sadly is so absent from all but the very few of today’s top professional footballers.
As an Everton supporter, I will always remember sitting at Anfield watching an FA Cup tie relayed live from Goodison Park on large screens erected around the ground. Bally scored the only goal in a swirling wind that helped him curl a wicked ball past the Liverpool keeper Tommy Lawrence. The ground erupted (well half did) each time the goal was replayed. I will never forget it. Although finishing at 1 – 0 it appeared to be 5 at the end of the game
All my friend, half of them including my brother Liverpool fans, have all expressed sadness at footballs lost. One of my best mates Rob O’Neil, (a more loyal Liverpool fan you would never meet) met Alan after an after dinner speech at a local hotel in New Brighton, as he was chatting at the bar with the rest of the punters. The best after dinner speaker he has ever heard he said, and one of the nicest people he has ever met.
I’ll finish my ramblings about the great man with this text message Rob sent me the morning Rob heard the sad news. “Anyone who wins the world cup and talks with as much passion as he did about it should be with the Saints by now. R.I.P. Alan Ball”
Julian Mason - Wirral
Saw you Alan at Euston Station, I was a kid and you looked at me and greeted me.
Thank you !
Alan Ball was the reason why I switched from Everton to Arsenal as a fan in 1970. To me he was bigger than the Clubs he played for. He was a larger than life character on the field and a true sportsman.
I often wonder why he was never knighted for all his dedication to the game and to England.
I just feel so very sad .
walter ong
Alan Ball was the reason why I switched from Everton to Arsenal as a fan in 1970. To me he was bigger than the Clubs he played for. He was a larger than life character on the field and a true sportsman.
I often wonder why he was never knighted for all his dedication to the game and to England.
I just feel so very sad .
walter ong
singapore
I watched Alan Ball play for Everton and Arsenal at club level as a boy at Upton Park supporting West Ham. Later I met him at a variety of sporting lunches - the man was an amazing footballer and a true gentleman. RIP Alan
As a 20 year old West Ham fan i do not know much about Alan Ball, all i do know is that he was a brilliant player and listening to all the reports from anyway who ever met him, a top bloke too. He will be sorely missed. Bobby Moore has got a mate up there with him now. The new england team could learn alot from people like Alan, how to conduct themselves and playing with the pation that the 66 team played with. R.I.P
Alan Ball was my hero. I played for many years as No.8 for Everton. I had to be "Ball". About 3 years ago, afriend of mine invited me to Littleover(near Derby) FC sportsmans dinner. I asked why, & he replied, " Your hero is the speaker". I went, sat next to his table, but was unable to speak. I was 6 again, totally starstruck.Eventually I spoke to him, and he asked if I was the Everton "NUT". He then asked for a business card, and said " I will send you something". No one ever does. BUT, Bally did, a picture of the "school of science" ( Ball, Harvey and Kendall) after Bally had scored against Liverpool, signed " To Chris, Best wishes , Alan Ball". Framed, it has pride of place. What a player, what a hero, but much more importantly, what a man! Thanks so much Alan, all my best wishes to the Ball family.
Watching him as a 7 year-old in '69 -'70 Alan Ball inspired the rest of the team to the title. What an engine. What a player!
Sincere condolences to the family of Alan Ball whom I hope can take some comfort from the many tributes being posted to him.
I was a young girl of 12 during the '66 World Cup Win and was totally mesmerised and transfixed by Alan's skills and enthusiasm. A few weeks after that wonderful win, Alan joined Everton and I became a lifelong Evertonian from that day. My bedroom walls were plastered with Everton posters and I smile remembering my Dad asking "what do you see in the gingerman with freckles & squeaky voice?" Answer : "PURE CLASS".
I agree wholeheartedly with the many tributes saluting him as a gentleman on and off the pitch, without doubt one of the best players this country has ever produced, a legend and to me he was my hero.
He will be sadly missed, God bless Alan Ball for his uniqueness.
Alan Ball was my first sporting idol when he was part of that great Everton midfield. I saw him play a couple of times, wish it was more. He was one of the few sports stars I would of liked to meet, sadly it will never happen.
Why include this idiotic ranting on such a sad day?
I am a Exeter City fan and remember fondly when alan ball was our manager our games were always high tempo and our team was full of sprit .Alan always had time for the fans and if you engaged him in conversation about anything he would talk to you with great respect.A true football legend .
I watched you play for Arsenal and you were always full of running. I used to stand on the side and when the ball went out and someone threw it back you always said thanks. So here's thanks to you for some great performances will always remember you
I was so gutted when I heard the news about Alan Ball I must admit to shedding a tear. I'm not quite old enough to remember the 1966 World Cup but I do remember watching him when he was playing for Arsenal in the 70's. He was a regular little dynamo racing all over the pitch in his white football boots. Football has lost an amazing man this week. RIP Alan x
I was in Sofia this week sitting in a taxi when my brother telephoned me from the Liverpool and as my mother is 87 years old I half expected bad news. Bad news my Brother said, Alan Ball had died. I was caught with mixed emotions, my mum was ok but Bally had died.
In my early 50s and like all Blues of my generation I can remember exactly where and how I got the last news that Bally had left us, in my case it was in Liverpool's Sefton Park Hospital recovering from a cartilage operation and I was absolutely devastated, total disbelief as Bally was Everton and could not see how the club could go on without him. In reality it took nearly 15 years before they recovered from Bally leaving them and take the league title again under Howard and Colin's leadership.
Returning to the UK on Friday night and sitting early this morning in my study I looked on at the wall and stared at the Everton Penant and the photograph of Goodison Park on my wall.....Nil Satis Nissi Optimum......memories started flooding back to me of my youth in Liverpool, how Everton was and still is a major part of my life, thoughts and pride.
Bally was at Everton during my formative teen years and like John Lennon for me, they ephitomised what being a Blue from Scouseland was about. Bally had the confidence and skills to do anything on the world's field of play and John was a scouser who in my opinion led the world's cultural revolution in the 60s for young people, both could never be halted by somebody else trying to limit their horizons. All was possible for those that wish to pursue their dreams.
I have been fortunate to travel the world and meet many people from Siberia to Rio in Brazil and many places in between and have always been very proud of my city and football club. There have been times over the last 20 years when neither the city or Everton FC have been in vogue and it would have been easier not to have talked about them, but all the people I meet know that I am very very proud of being an Evertonian from the great city of Liverpool.
I have just ready the story for the first time about Bally's wife in her last days and how she told him to go to an Everton fans event and "Be with his People" and it moved me to tears. Bally made Everton a deep part of the person I am and values I hold.
A good decent man and I thank Bally greatly for his rich contribution to my life without him ever knowing what he did for me or perhaps he did, for me and may other Evertonians.
There is another young player who left Everton and broke the hearts of all Evertonians and he returns to Goodison today, deep down I believe he is a Blue and one day he may return to "His People", because as Bally clearly demonstrated "Once a Blue ....Always a Blue".
Thank you Bally for being an Inspiration to me. ......Alan Ellinson
Alan .. thanks for some great memories, both with England in 66 and with my beloved Arsenal!!
RIP
TB
Alan Ball was a very remarkable man! My dad saw him speak at sevaral sportsman's dinners over the past few years! I wish i saw him too!
I was at Wembley on that memorable day. Many memories remain from the tournament, not least of which was the inspirational energy that was Bally. As many have said he was perpetual motion, but lets not forget that he was always a footballing artist too.
On the day of Alan's funeral, I thought I would offer a short poem I wrote in the Autumn of 2004 (when it appeared on the writers' website www.ukauthors.com). The title is, simply, 'Alan Ball' and I described it as a 'small poem about self-belief,' given he had been told as a youngster that he was too short to make the grade as a pro, but went on to win a World Cup winner's medal at 21. Here it is...
Alan Ball was far too small,
wouldn’t make the grade at all:
that’s what he was told.
But he still fulfilled his dream,
squeaking in the England team:
worth his weight in gold.
Copper-topped, he hit the heights,
kept his target in his sights:
focused on a goal.
Critics love to criticise,
cut their victims down to size:
think they know it all.
Finally, down Wembley Way,
one fine English summer’s day,
standing ten feet tall,
on the pitch in ’66,
socks rolled down and chuffed to bits:
Alan showed them all.
alan ball was one of my dad's heroes, my dad loved everton, and loved alan ball especially, ..... i was only 6 when alan ball helped england win the world cup, and only 11 when he left everton to join arsenal, i remember being very upset at the time, but our affection for him never waned ....
r.i.p. alan, god bless, ....
I was 17 years old back in 1966, just three years younger than Alan, but he was already my favourite player.I had supported Blackpool ever since my Dad had taken me to see Stanley Matthews and to have two Blackpool players in Sir Alf's squad was just amazing. It seems strange that only recently as he been called "Man of the Match" from that 1966 World Cup Final, as I had always thought he was. I have an old scrapbook and in it is a picture of a very young looking Alan, with Lesley wearing one of his England caps, quite a rare picture I would think. I only recently read the new last chapter in Alan's autobiography and it is one of the most moving things I've read. His final sentence is something that all of us that love football should remember - "When I think of Lesley, I realize that football, the game which was my lifelong fixation is, after all, only a game".
hi