Boyhood Wanderer Passes Away

By Mark Heys
April 25 2007

One of the greatest players never to represent Bolton Wanderers sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning. World Cup winner Alan Ball has died of a heart attack at the age of 61.

The Farnworth-born Ball went on to taste success in the top flight with the likes of Everton and Arsenal and was also a long standing football manager with the likes of Portsmouth, Manchester City and Exeter City in the 1980's and 1990's.

His finest hour in the game came in the summer of 1966 when, as the youngest player on the pitch, he helped England to a 4-2 win over Germany in the World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

All this coming after he was told that he was too small to make the grade by both Bolton and Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 1970 he helped Everton to the League title, his only major honour at club level.

Nonetheless, he will always be remembered for his work ethic and dedication on the pitch and despite the early disappointment of not playing for his hometown club and boyhood idols he always maintained close links to the town and passion for a club that remained close to his heart.

ALAN BALL R.I.P (1945-2007)