Alan Ball

[Dan]

died age 61 last night of a heart attack.

Really unexpected

[Liam]

I was debating putting up a topic when I logged on earlier, but didn't get around to it. Sad news, indeed, especially for someone still relatively young.

I couldn't find it online, but BBC were saying he was actually the MOM from the World Cup Final, apparently.....interesting factoid I didn't know.

[Guest Ant]

Wow another legend leaves us too early

My condolensces. RIP

[Hobo]

I will miss his squeaky voice.

[Stone Cold]

Although his Stoke days were anything but his best days, he's still a legend for being apart of the England World Cup winning team in 66.

61 is such a young age to go at too.

RIP Alan Ball - True England Legend.

[Jonny D]

Wow, I saw him on TV just a few weeks ago, looked a picture of health. Legend of the Game.

[IAceI]

Sucks. What I find worrying is this is only 5 years or so older than what my dad is next, and if a perfectly fit and healthy man can die of a heart attack at 61, what the hell can happen to an overweight man with high blood pressure and cholesteral?

RIP

[The Kraig]

Very saddening. He was a big personality.

[Matt]

RIP. And I never knew he was MOTM, I'd always presumed it was Geoff Hurst.

Am I right in saying he's the second of the 11 to pass on?

[Stone Cold]

That would be correct.

[TMM]

RIP. And I never knew he was MOTM, I'd always presumed it was Geoff Hurst.

Am I right in saying he's the second of the 11 to pass on?

Yeah you are. The other (obviously) is Bobby Moore in '93 of cancer.

It's a complete shock. I got to work and as usual went to the Sky Sports site and it was just there. I was stunned. True legend.

[Farmer Reil]

Even though he managed Exeter City and regrettably did quite well, he's still a legend. RIP.

[TheArsenal]

I enjoyed the headline in The Sun this morning....

"God wants his Ball back"

[wigguk78]

As a Portsmouth fan I was gutted to hear about him passing away. He managed us in some dark times and it's a shame he won't be there to see our new stadium. I'd hope there will be some dedication to him, I'd love to sit in the Alan Ball stand in a few years time.

As he managed Southampton as well it would be great for the two sides to play a friendly in the summer for a favourite charity of his. I'd hope both sets of fans would show him (and each other) the respect he deserves.