Ball, Alan

Alan Ball

Clubs played for: Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal, Southampton, Blackpool, Southampton, Bristol Rovers. (1962-1982)

Born: 1945

Birthplace: Farnworth, Lancashire

Position: Midfielder

Biography: Tenacious midfielder, Alan made 72 appearances in the full England team, a record that includes his key performance as a member of the team that won the World Cup in this country in 1966. He became player-manager to Blackpool and also tried his luck with Vancouver Whitecaps. His varied life as a coach included service with Bristol Rovers, Portsmouth, Stoke City, and Exeter City. Appointed team manager at Southampton in 1994, but after only one season, accepted an offer from his old friend Frannie Lee to take over at Manchester City in July 1995 but sensationally quit 13 months later. He died in the early hours of 25 April 2007 at home in Warsash, Hampshire. He suffered a heart attack while trying to put out a fire in his garden.

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Ball, Alan I remember as a youngster going to Craven Cottage and watching Fulham v Blackpool with my late father..(I was born in Hammersmith London,so I suppose I could have supported Fulham or QPR).....My father played for Wokingham Town FC and was only 2 games away from playing at Wembley ( They lost to Crook Town 2-3 ).......As the Fulham game went on,my father turned to me and said “ Do you see that very young REDHEAD out on the pitch playing for Blackpool” Yes I said,what about him? He then replied “I can see that young lad playing for England one day” That young redhead was ALAN BALL!!!!!!
30-08-20 Mike Adams