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Alan Ball Obituary
ALAN Ball will forever be remembered for his tireless performance in the 1966 World Cup Final as the youngest member of Sir Alf Ramsey’s victorious England team.
The son of a former player and manager, Ball went on to great success with a series of top teams as well as captaining his country and moving on - less successfully - to club management.
But the abiding memory of the shrill-of-voice Ball will be of that sun-and-showers July afternoon against West Germany at Wembley in 1966.
Ramsey was supposed not to favour wingers, but Ball - just 21 - kept powering down the right wing, tormenting the experienced German full back Karl-Heinz Schnellinger.
It was Ball, pushing himself to the limits in extra time, who crossed for Geoff Hurst to produce his famous what-is-it-over-the-goal-line shot that gave England a 3-2 lead.
A few moments later people were on the pitch and it really was all over as Hurst made it 4-2 and Ball followed captain Bobby Moore up the steps to the Royal Box to collect his winning medal from the Queen.
Alan Ball was born on May 12, 1945 and joined Blackpool in 1961, making his league debut for the club as a 17-year-old in 1962.
Ball was first picked for England in May 1965, playing in a 1-1 draw against Yugoslavia in Belgrade.
He was in Ramsey’s World Cup squad the following year and went on to glory at Wembley.
Ball's World Cup Final heroics led to his move from Blackpool to Everton in August 1966 for a then record fee of £110,000.
Joining Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey on Merseyside, Ball formed one of the great midfield trios. Everton reached the FA Cup Final in 1968 only to lose to West Bromwich Albion, but in 1969-70 Everton went on to win the old First Division Championship.
But there was disappointment for Ball and England at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico when having reached the quarter finals, England lost 3-2 to West Germany in extra time having been 2-0 up.
Post-World Cup spells at Arsenal, Southampton (twice) and as player-manager at Blackpool were followed by managerial roles at Portsmouth (twice), Southampton, Exeter and Manchester City. In the year 2000 he was awarded the MBE.
89 Entries
Dee
July 18, 2009
always fondly remembered
Vanessa Douglas
July 27, 2007
Thoughts and prayers.
Carol Mather
July 23, 2007
Alan was a true gentleman of the game and will be very sadly missed
michelle cantliff
July 5, 2007
God bless his family who must be devastated by his loss.
How you can show support
jordan joof
June 12, 2007
hi i was not even born when england won he world cup but i am so sad about his death
Stephen Young
June 1, 2007
I'm sorry to hear about Alan. We were at a scout camp in Epping Forest, north-east of London (I was born in Basildon, Essex), when we watched the 1966 World Cup game on a B&W TV.
We had invited another scout group from West Germany to come over and camp-out/visit us; cultural exchange thing.
Needless to say, we all watched the game together and had a great rivalry going. We all ended up the best of friends and visited them in Germany the next year.
61 is too young; but who knows when our time is up? it's a bugger not having that information!
My 14 year old is at a soccer match right now but I had to work! Darn!
Oh well, that's it from me over here in Toronto, Canada.
Kind regards, Stephen Young.
P.S. would someone, with the ability and correct equipment, please analyze that goal and finally determine if it was in or out!!!
Howie Williams
May 9, 2007
To Alans family.I was 11 yrs. old when your father signed for The Blues and the best outfield player I ever saw wear the Blue Shirt of Everton by a country mile.Thanks for all the great times Alan.The "Fire" will never be extinguished. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum. And Alan was.
helen brickell
May 3, 2007
Thoughs and prayers are with Alan and his family.
Richard Banks
May 3, 2007
Alan ball one of Englands finest the engine of 66 Godbless we will all miss you Ballie
The best of the best
alan smith
May 2, 2007
As a Pompey fan, I am grateful to Ballie for creating the platform on which we have built our success. He kept us in the top flight without any money to spend and the fans love him.
margaret kennedy
April 30, 2007
my heart goes out to alan balls family
GEOFFREY COX
April 30, 2007
I WAS 11 WHEN ENGLAND WON THE WORLD CUP - AND LIVING IN SOUTH LONDON.
I STILL REMEMBER HOW WE ALL FELT, AND HOW MUCH WE LOVED THE TEAM.
MORE THAN THAT THOUGH, HOW ALAN'S PERSONALITY AFFECTED EVERYONE WHO SAW HIM PLAY OR HEARD HIM SPEAK ON T.V.
I'VE BEEN LIVING IN NEW YORK NOW FOR MANY YEARS, AND I WAS SO SADDENED TO HEAR THE NEWS OF HIS DEATH.
TOTALLY KNOCKED THE WIND OUT OF ME.
CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY, HE WAS A GREAT MAN.
patricia MASON
April 29, 2007
I was 19years old and just married when I first heard of Alan he was playing in the world cup. I am now 60years old and would like to send my deepest sympathy to his very proud family. God Bless ALAN BALL may he rest in peace with his dear wife. x
Jay Arnold
April 28, 2007
As a 28 year old, I was brought up on the Legend of the team of'66! Any loss is devistating but the man who was the Spirit of the team is even worse.
Thanks for the Legend Curly!
Mike Hibbert
April 28, 2007
One of the last of the excellent footballers that lit up the game in the 60's and 70's, so much of a contribution to the game, thank you Alan Ball. My condolences go out to your family and friends.
R.I.P.
Manchester City Fan, Cape Town
Alan Binns
April 27, 2007
As a child I chose Alan as my favourite player..just after the World Cup 1966. I met him at the Shay [Halifax] when he was visiting his dad [Halifax manager] I was seven years old and he made time to sign me his autograph six times. I followed his career and life for years. What a football genius and tireless runner and what a nice man and lovely family. The world is a worse place without him. Sleep well Alan.
David mort
April 27, 2007
Thanks for the memory,that day, that month,that year,Mr ball you
will be remembered as long as
football is played,thank you.
Tim Volkov
April 27, 2007
What a marvellous footballer and a great person!!
Alan, your memory will live.
philip jones
April 27, 2007
The football world grew a little darker with the loss of Alan Ball. He didn,t live to see England win another world cup. But with out him we would never have won at all. God Bless him and all his family. MAN/UNITED FAN
John Benyon
April 26, 2007
I was stunned to hear of Alan Ball's death. As a Saints fan, I have many happy memories of him as a player - inspiring all those around him. And of course his contribution to the England side was huge. Thank you Alan - you will be remembered.
colin wilson
April 26, 2007
god bless to a 1966 hero,join sir alf and bobby moore and remember ALL the great times !!
city and england till i die
Tim Humphreys
April 26, 2007
A great player, the likes of which are sorely missed today. Effort, enthusiasm, will to win, and never say die attitude epitomise in one man all that we love about the English game. RIP and thankyou for giving this man to the English game.
Phil Garside
April 26, 2007
RIP Alan
You will be missed.
CTID
Ian Campbell
April 26, 2007
Very sad to hear the news yesterday. Alan Ball lived and breathed soccer and his enthusiasm was boundless and contagious. We would never have won the 1966 World Cup without his contribution - he just never stopped running.
Vince Cusworth
April 26, 2007
A Great Lion of 66.
Loved the game with a passion.
RIP Alan
Mark Simmonite
April 26, 2007
A wonderful player, so full of energy. How sad that such icons must leave us. You're in God's first eleven now Bally; and I'm sure Moore'o will be captaining you once more. RIP
Neil Gray
April 26, 2007
A true legend who will be sadly missed
tom murphy
April 26, 2007
so sorry to read this sad news sorry to alans family im sure he will be in heaven. thanks for all the great games you played in you are a credit to football
derrick barber
April 26, 2007
great bloke great player rest in peace alan.
Joe Myatt
April 26, 2007
RIP
ALAN
Daniel Timperley
April 26, 2007
Rest In Peace Alan,
You will be missed,
An England Legend and a great man!
MCFC Forever
Russ Smith
April 25, 2007
Sad day, Forever a legend.
RIP.
David Kent
April 25, 2007
God bless and Rest In Peace.An England and Man City legend
albert whalley
April 25, 2007
Great player who always gave hundred percent for club and country,made nonsence of the saying in football that a good bigen is better than a good littlen.Rest in peace little man.Albert a red
cheshire canary
April 25, 2007
As a child growing up in Roe Green, Worsley, Manchester, we used to play football on The Green. Alan who lived on Greenleach Lane, if he was walking past, would ask, 'can I play?'
He was just wonderful. How many kids got the chance for a kick-about with a World Cup winner?
God Bless Alan, and thank you.
Peter MCFC
April 25, 2007
Football has lost one of it's true greats.
A small player, but a giant of a man.
RIP Alan, you will be sadly missed.
Christine Pipka
April 25, 2007
God Bless you Alan.
A true legend and gentleman both on and off the pitch.
Its a very sad day for football.
I am sure your beloved wife will be at heavens gates to greet you.
RIP Alan.
John Pipka
April 25, 2007
A sad loss to football, a truly great player and a truly great man.
Gone to that great football stadium in the sky, gone but never forgotten.
My thoughts and prayer go to him, his family and friends.
RIP Alan
keith rourke
April 25, 2007
R.I.P Thanks for the great memories.Lovely man will be soley missed.
David Owens
April 25, 2007
I am very saddened to hear of the death of Alan Ball. I first came to know about Alan in a World Cup album leading up to Italia '90, where he deservedly featured as one of the tournament's and football's legends, right up there with the likes of Charlton, Pele, Beckenbauer, Best and Cruyff. Having watched old tapes of him in his Everton and Arsenal days, I came to realise just how good he was as a player. I know he didn't have the success he so desperately desired at City, but I also know that he held the club and its fans in the highest esteem, and did his level best to achieve success. It was simply not to be. Alan was a gentleman and a good pro to boot, and my thoughts are with his family and many friends at this sad time. RIP Alan.
john humphrey
April 25, 2007
i was lucky enough to play under alan in the 1990s at exeter it was a pleasure and learned so much, football will be sad without the likes of alan
Stephen Green
April 25, 2007
Everyone will remember a great footballer on the world stage. Locally we will always see him as the most famous pupil from Farnworth Grammar School since Kenneth Wolstenholme. A gentleman at rest with his beloved Lesley.
Alan Whitney
April 25, 2007
I'll never forget 1966 the "ball of energy" that was alan. The perfect midfield 3 ever,kendall ball and harvey.always spoke sense and was a perfect gent.
Matt Rayner
April 25, 2007
God bless, AJB. England legend.
Clifford Liddy
April 25, 2007
What a sad sad day for football we would'nt have won the world cup without Bally. He did'nt have a lot of luck at Man City but his personality shone through the hard times and he always had time for the fans R.I.P.
Steven McCrory
April 25, 2007
Great nice man, his son should be very proud indeed, and a good footballer, a sad loss
Stephen petrou
April 25, 2007
RIP ALAN ,we know you tried your best at CITY and had some great words for them only the other day.
Jean
April 25, 2007
God bless you Alan, my thoughts are with your family, re-united with your darling wife and many ex football mates.
Gaz Moody
April 25, 2007
A sad day, Alan Ball was passionate about football. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He always gave 110% even when things were not great.
God Bless Alan.
John Acton
April 25, 2007
I would like to say a thank you to Alan Ball for what he has contributed towards football in recent years and years gone by. As a Manchester City fan I would like to thank him for making some tantilizing signings and contributing towards the club in a turbulent period of time. His death at only 51 only provides further evidence that the good die young. I support a minute's silence at the weekend at all grounds. I'll be stood there at the City of Manchester Stadium and will applaud him afterwards.
Andy Cronin
April 25, 2007
Alan you were simply the best have a pint up there with Labby
Eddie Kennedy
April 25, 2007
God Bless you Alan, rest in peace now up there in heaven. It's a testimony to what you did in football that the football world feels so sad today.
gary campbell
April 25, 2007
A gentleman & a legend
George Attard
April 25, 2007
Very sad news indeed. Incredible end. Wish him rest in peace. Thanks forthe joys he gave us and to his family. May many others follow his good example. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Anne
April 25, 2007
Very Sad Indeed..and such a young age.RIP.
Phil Banerjee
April 25, 2007
Sincere condolences to Alan Ball's family. He was a fantastic footballer who will be sadly missed. Rest in peace.
Stephen
April 25, 2007
In a world where footballers these days are more worried about their pay packets, Alan Ball and those of his era put the modern day footballers to shame. You will be missed Alan RIP
David Simeone
April 25, 2007
#I said maybe, are you gonna be the one that saves me, cos after all, you're my Alan Ball#
R.I.P
Linda a 'Blue'
April 25, 2007
Rest in Peace Alan, you were one of three reasons my interest in football grew..the other two being Colin Harvey and Howard Kendall. You made Everton great and England too. Everyone's thoughts are with your family.
Ken Clarke
April 25, 2007
Thanks Alan for your contributions to the game. You were a great footballer and may you rest in peace, mate. Condolences to the Ball Family
Mark Pompey
April 25, 2007
As a Pompey fan I'll never forget the away day at
Bradford when Ballys management skills kept Pompey up, sending City
down, and then watching Arsenal snatch the title from United in the pub
afterwards. A brilliant manager and true football legend
john
April 25, 2007
A great player and a great man. My thoughts are with his family
Russ Ward
April 25, 2007
Alan Ball was a Legend in the World of Football and will be sadly missed.R.I.P to one of the best
Steve the blue
April 25, 2007
A sad,premature loss.Saw him interviewed on inside MCFC recently and despite the turbulent time he had at City he had nothing but praise for the club and supporters.A true gent with a sense of humour.RIP Alan and condolences to the family.
ARTHUR TIPPETTS
April 25, 2007
ALAN BALL. ONE OF THE GREATS. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING
Phil Shakespeare
April 25, 2007
Dominated the 66 final, and covered every inch of the park, matching Beckenbaur all the way. A great player and a sad loss. Brought Kinkladze to City which was a great signing. Condolences from a Man City fan.
David Cartwright
April 25, 2007
Forever Missed, Never Forgotten. A True Legend! R.I.P.
Dave Johnston
April 25, 2007
Thanks for the memories Alan, when you were Man City boss, and when I was in your company at Royal Ascot races in 1997, pleasure to have known you.
DARREN graham
April 25, 2007
A VERY SAD LOSS TO FOOTBALL, AND A SAD LOSS OF A FOOTBALL LEGEND, RIP ALAN.
robert elson
April 25, 2007
Thank you Alan for all you did for football. What agreat player and person you where.
Andy Hall
April 25, 2007
A true world champion and legend!
RIP
Lee Macauley
April 25, 2007
RIP Alan. You were one of 11 heroes that made our country proud. The nation mourns our loss. Hope your score many hattricks in heaven.
Steve Knott
April 25, 2007
Sincere condolences to the friends and family of Alan Ball MBE. I'm a Manchester City supporter and we shared the passion and turbulence of our football club in the mid 90s.
Brian Southworth
April 25, 2007
A great player with a great heart,they don,t make them like you any more.
Ray O'Neill
April 25, 2007
A great little player who gave his all to England, his clubs and to football in general. He will be missed.An old Manc.
dave hale
April 25, 2007
what a sad loss to the game ,such a nice guy who was proud to pull on an england shirt for the love of it,my thoughts go out to his family on this sad day
Terry Mcentee
April 25, 2007
He had just been to nz and Igot to meet him a real down to earth guy with some great tales to tell. R.I.P.mate
gary
April 25, 2007
god bless you,man city fan, hope you enjoy your football in heaven, god be with you
Yola Tengo
April 25, 2007
God Bless a World Cup hero and city's greatest ever manager
Adam Barnes
April 25, 2007
Sincere condolences. A great guy and part of the MCFC family.
Martin Parker
April 25, 2007
Alan Ball wasnt our most successful manager but we can be very proud to be associated with a true legend of our national game. Sincere condolences to his family. Alan represented the spirit that epitomises British football.
Anita Barlow
April 25, 2007
R.I.P Alan condolences to family :(
Pat Dempsey
April 25, 2007
Thanks Alan for being a wonderful English football player.
Mike Harris
April 25, 2007
I am very shocked to hear of Alans untimely death. I saw him as a child playing for Blackpool where I grew up and he gave everything to the success of the team. My condolences to all his family.
Anne & Martin Huckvale
April 25, 2007
Very sad news. Our sympathy goes to his family. A true legend.
blue blue
April 25, 2007
bye bye dont forget to take your world cup medal..
football will miss you
Kevin Gallagher
April 25, 2007
Its a Sad for the football world.
He was a North West legend of Football. R.I.P. Alan.
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