Legends of football past
and present turned out in force to celebrate the life of England
World Cup hero Alan Ball.
Members of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad joined hundreds of
well-wishers at Winchester Cathedral for his funeral.
Wembley heroes including Jack Charlton, Nobby Stiles, Gordon Banks,
George Cohen and Roger Hunt were joined by England manager Steve
McClaren and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Stiles paid tribute to Ball, saying: "My most abiding memory of
Alan is in the World Cup final.
"I think all the lads agree he was the best player on the pitch by
far.
"He covered every blade of grass, he was unbelievable."
Ball died last week after suffering a heart attack while attempting
to tackle a bonfire at his home in Warsash, Hampshire.
Ball's coffin was led into Winchester Cathedral draped in the St
George's Cross England flag and with his trademark grey flat cap on
top.
Leading the mourners was Ball's son Jimmy, 31, and daughters Mandy
Byrne, 39, and Keely Allan, 35. Ball's wife Lesley died three years
ago from cancer.
Ball's close friend Mick Channon was present as was Lawrie
McMenemy, the man who brought him to Southampton.
Ball won 72 caps for his country and made a total of 819 league
appearances for clubs including Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal,
Southampton and Bristol Rovers.
He later managed Blackpool, Portsmouth, Stoke City, Exeter City,
Southampton and Manchester City during a 19-year managerial
career.
