|
*
In
1978 I witnessed the best welcome any ex-player has had at Goodison
when Alan Ball returned 7 years after leaving. The stadium stood
to him, he said later it took him 20 minutes to recover.The day
he was sold in 1971 came back to me today, a deep sadness returns
again today. Never mind gates or a statue change the club motto
to "Play like Alan Ball". He was my first hero. Ball and
ten others. Emma Jones.
*
I'm
absolutley devestated about Alan Balls passing on, cant believe
he's gone so early. As a tribute to him I've attached a wallpaper
in both required sizes, Hope you like them and hope you can stick
them on ya site. Cheers, Danny Jones.
*
He
was probably the best player in the World Cup final of 1966 and
if it had not been for his impact the result could have been totally
different. He did not appear to have a nerve in his body, and he
was an inspiration to us all. Alan was always bright and bubbly
in everything he did as a player. He went about his work with great
enthusiasm and gusto and he always had a smile on his face. He was
a sensational little player with great touch and great vision. He
had great close control and although he wasn't a fast player he
didn't need to be. He could see things clearly and always made the
right decisions. He was the youngest member of our squad and we
were all looking forward to our latest reunion in two weeks. I am
very sad and shocked by the news. Alan will be badly missed."
Sir Bobby Charlton
As
A kid growing up in Liverpool and later in life when I moved away
, ALAN BALL was and still is my hero. I was fortunate to meet him
at the end of a game that he had been commenting on and I patiently
stood by him until the mike was turned off and he looked at me and
said " can I help " ? I explained how he was my all time
HERO ( I wonder how many times he had heard that before ! ) I asked
if I could shake his hand and have his autograph , no problems he
said as I walked off I felt 10 feet tall , I guess to most people
I was like a star struck kid, in fact I was nearing my 50th Birthday
but was I happy. Every time the great mans name was mentioned on
tv or in conversation I always sing to myself , Who is the greatest
of them all ? Little curly ALAN BALL . Fond memories of MY greatest
EVERTONIAN. Alan Langford .
I grew
up as a 'carrot-crunching' Evertonian in deepest Suffolk. Way back
in 1969 as a 13 year old I saw the Blues for the first time at Ipswich.
We won 3-0, and I think Bally scored that day. He dominated the
game, as I recall, always in the thick of it, demanding the ball,
urging on his team-mates, spraying passes short and long. It broke
my heart when Catterick sold him. Its very sad for his family and
friends. Thanks for the wonderful memories, Bally.
Stan
I was
stunned when I heard the news of Bally's death yesterday morning
- I had tears in my eyes and all day could think of nothing else.
I have also shed a few tears over the tribute letters I have read.
He was a great footballer and it is all the more poignant that we
have lost him because he really did have blue blood in his veins
and was so closely associated with our Club. Love ya Bally. HM
Partnership
As
we sang at the time and it still remains true today and all days,
“Whose the greatest of them all? Little curly Alan Ball. Jim
Parry, Crosby Blue.
All
I can say is my childhood died yesterday, goodbye Bally Arthur
Jones
Alan,
You were only small in stature, but you had the heart of a lion,
the greatest Evertonian along with Labby of all time will be sadly
missed by every Blue in the world. God Bless Alan. Joe Ball
Maidenhead Berkshire
After
reading David France's article I cried with sadness, my dad a great
Evertonian died young at 39 when I was 14 ... Alan Ball was his
hero, every time Alan Ball was mentioned it reminded me of him ...
that has also now gone... a superb article from David which made
the hairs of my neck stand up ... I am so proud, privileged and
honoured to be an Blue ! John Atkins
I remember
not being to pleased about Alan Ball being bought to replace Alex
Young. After seeing him in action not long after arriving at Goodison
park, I was completely hooked. He was and always will be, my only
boyhood idol. I remember getting the away kit(amber kit) for my
thirteenth birthday . And me with my flame red hair. I cried the
day you were sold to Arsenal, and only visited Anfield to watch
you play for Arsenal. In 1974 I was asked to play for Riversdale
College, but had no boots. The manager said he would sort it. Saturday
morning the manager threw these grotty 'white' boots at me.I was
in heaven!When i ran out someone said who do you think you are 'Alan
Ball'. I wish I will always be grateful for the part you played
in my life, as I grew up. RIP John
Rest
in Peace, Alan. Thanks for the all the memories, I never got to
see you play, but I've seen many a video. One of the best pupils
ever to be in the School of Science. I think John Motson got it
right when he said "perpetual motion, at his peak - world class".
John Gaskell, Crosby.
So
many memories of the great man….a football with his name on it after
the World Cup win…amazement when we signed him just after….Ball,
Harvey, Kendall – THE greatest midfield EVER…..the night in 1970
when we beat West Brom 2 – 0 and won the league….the white boots…some
great goals against The Shite….an amazing goal against Newcastle
at Goodison when we won 1 – 0….the 7 – 0 thrashing of Southampton….the
tears when my Dad told me one morning that he had gone to Arsenal.
Take care Bally and thanks for the memories. You were and always
will be my hero. Richard.
I was
gutted when Bally left Everton and today I feel the same. My footballing
hero Knocker, Brentwood
My
1st idol and what an idol . Only ever got to see him on tv, but
everything about him was cool. His name, the boots, his skill, but
best of all he played for EVERTON. Even his hair was cool, how many
gingers can say that? ALAN BALL. LEGEND,HERO,WORLD-CLASS FOOTBALLER,
GENTLEMAN, EVERTONIAN. Kev Clarke
Like
everyone shocked, stunned and absolutely gutted by the sudden death
of Bally. Never had the priviledge to see him play, he was my Dad's
hero (John). I was born on Saturday 30th October 1971, that day
Bally scored a stunning winning goal against Newcastle at Goodison,
which Everton won 1-0. I was honoured to meet him and shake him
by the hand at a sportsman's dinner at Goodison. An absolute legend,
a superb player, a gentleman, an Evertonian. I hope the club's minute
silence is just the first stage in paying a lasting tribute to the
little red haired fella with the white boots. Say hello to Labby
for us. God bless you Alan and R.I.P. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum. Kevin
Holland
|
Alex
Young, Sausage & Bally
Bally
With Howard Kendall and Tony Cottee
Bally's
Crowning Glory
|
