Alan Ball was born on May 12, 1945 in Farnworth, Lancashire, England as Alan James Ball. He was married to Lesley Newton. He died on April 25, 2007 in Warsash, Hampshire, England.
Was awarded the MBE in 2000 and introduced into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
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His autobiography "Playing Extra Time" was released in 2004.
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His father, Alan Ball Sr., also a football player and coach, died in a car crash in Cyprus (January 1982).
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As a manager he served Blackpool (1980-1981), Portsmouth (1984-1989, 1998-1999), Exeter City (1991-1994), Southampton (1994-1995) and Manchester City (1995-1996).
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During his professional career, he played for Blackpool (1962-1966, 1980-1981), Everton (1966-1971), Arsenal (1971-1976), Southampton (1976-1978, 1981-1982), Philadelphia Fury (1978-1979), Vancouver Whitecaps (1979-1980), Eastern AA in Hong Kong (1982-1983) and Bristol Rovers (1983-1984), making 975 competitive matches.
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He was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2000 Queen's Millennium Honors List for his services to Association Football.
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Picking up 72 caps (8 goals) for England's football team in total, he was the youngest player of the 1966 England World Cup winning team.
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He was a Member of the 1966 British World Cup Championship.