RIP Alan Ball

[Los Rojos]

That's a shock.

I always liked Alan Ball - didn't see much of him as a player (I think he was coming to the end at Southampton when I started to get interested as a nipper), but I liked his honesty and integrity when talking about the game in the media.

RIP Alan- YNWA.

[Dhav]

For some reason I just remember him as the man who handed Steven Gerrard the PFA trophy and in doing so acclaimed him as the best midfielder in Europe.

Top man, sorry to seem him go at quite a young age.

[leftpeg]

Rest In Peace, Alan.

[cobain]

Rip

[Red_Polo]

We gave him a warm round of applause at the game tonight.

[Revo]

****ing loved sqeekie as a player. very sad for his family and im sad for the old school bluenoses who worshiped him. a true blue legend thats for sure

[wavydavy]

Heard him telling a great Shanks story on the radio today. The day he left Everton for Arsenal he was having a meal with his wife at a pub in Lancashire somewhere. The waiter comes over and says he's wanted on the phone. A mystified AB goes to the phone wondering who it can be. It was Bill Shankly who had tracked him down to the pub via friends and family. He thanked Bally for his contribution to football on Merseyside and then said "I knew they'd sold you today son. I felt as though a thorn had been pulled from my side!" Alan sounded a bit choked and emotional telling the story. It's difficult to see something like this happening today isn't it?

[SouthAfricaRed]

Bill Shankly To Alan Ball after he'd signed for Everton:
'Never mind Alan, at least you'll be able to play next to a great team'

Shanks knew everything

RIP