Alan Ball

[Brown, Jon Brow]

World Cup winner Alan Ball has died of a heart attack at the age of 61.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6590715.stm

[Robinho]

just also seen this sad news, a great ambassador for the sport, from a time when footballers could be role models, he'll be sadly missed

[oily oaf]

Very sad news.
I'm afraid I'm old enough to remember squeezing into my nan's tiny flat in Pimlico, Westminster with various other family members on that hot July afternoon in 1966 when we watched in awe and delight as England trounced West Germany 4-2 courtesy of West Ham duo Hurst and Peters.
But nobody worked harder that day than the little red headed midfield dynamo Alan Ball.
The youngest player in the side he ran his legs off in the sultry conditions whilst his team mates and the Germans visibly wilted.
What would he be worth today?
Money couldn't buy him.
Blackpool, Everton, Ar**nal, and Southampton if memory serves were all fortunate enough to have him grace their respective shirts.
RIP Bally. You made a young 10 year old boy very happy indeed.

[GridGirl]

Was lucky enough to meet him at a book signing a couple of years ago. He was a top class guy.

[stevie_gerrard]

such a shame, the real man of the match of that cup final. :up:

RIP :(