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Alan Ball remembered

England
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Thousands of mourners attended Winchester Cathedral today for the funeral of England legend Alan Ball.

The service, led by children Jimmy, Mandy and Keely, was relayed on speakers to the crowds outside.

Many prominent figures in the game attended to pay their respects to the World Cup winner, who died at his home last week.

They included members of the historic World Cup-winning team in 1966, such as Jack and Bobby Charlton, Gordan Banks and Nobby Stiles.

Stiles gave a moving opening address, recounting how Ball was the best player of the World Cup final, and gave him a fresh burst of energy just when he thought he couldn't put in any more.

Frank McLintock shared warm memories and a touch of humour of their time together at Arsenal.

And son Jimmy Ball gave a personal tribute to his Dad, reading Rudyard Kipling's poem, If.

He said: "If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run, yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, and - which is more - you'll be a man, my son.

"Well he was a man, probably the best I ever met."

The family requested no flowers but that any donations be made to the Bobby Moore Fund.

I'm sure many fans around the country will have paused to remember a true great of English football today. Share your thoughts here.

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comment by FootieRescueService (U6238820)

posted May 4, 2007

I first watched Alan Ball when he played for Blackpool. What a redheaded fireball he was - such determination is always a great inspiration to everyone who plays on the same pitch. Bally was one of football's great characters - an immense man with a pure heart made in football's richest and most valued way.

Such a man is a rare and precious thing and I am grateful that he appeared in my life time to inspire and make me want to play like him.

He will be very sorely missed.

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comment by emmie_jay (U8237603)

posted May 4, 2007

We United Fans Loves You...We promised to make you proud...Up Alan Ball Up United....Keep winning..You will never be forgotten

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comment by Pigsman (U6603534)

posted May 4, 2007

I don't think so. The first I remember seeing were worn by Alan Hinton playing for Derby County in the days of Brian Clough, John McGovern, et al.
Unless someone knows different?

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comment by masterofmonaco (U7236569)

posted May 4, 2007

My first memories of white boots were the Hummel boots worn by Wyn Davies in 68

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comment by Chelseaboy (U713671)

posted May 4, 2007

I only knew alan ball because he played the 1966 World cup final at wembley with england but he was agreat player and i will miss him

R.I.P
Alan Ball
1945-2007

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comment by secretRosina (U8261292)

posted May 4, 2007

God bless his Soul

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comment by lufcste (U7903957)

posted May 4, 2007

RIP Bally.Remembered by the Elland Road Faithfull.

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comment by supaLeeds4Lyf (U7916641)

posted May 5, 2007

Purely and Simply-Legend.
RIP Bally.Youll never b forgotten.

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comment by VeniVidiVidic (U2859424)

posted May 5, 2007

I was at the World Cup Final in 1966 [still have the programme] & could not believe how much running he did on such a warm, tense day..he & Stiles were the engine room that day.Never to be forgotten.....along with Real Madrid v Eintracht.

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comment by younggoonersteve (U8189942)

posted May 6, 2007

Bless you Ballie,been a fan from the Everton days and like many others followed his career until my dad rang me to tell me the sad news,and shed many tears since,i would like many others stop whatever i was doing to watch or listen to everything Alan had to say.If only we had more like him not only playing for England but everywhere in football.God bless Alans family RIP Ballie we will never forget you xx xx xx xx

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