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Football's legends remember Ball Football's legends remember Ball
(10 minutes later)
Football great Alan Ball's coffin, draped in an England flag with a traditional flat cap upon it, has been carried into Winchester Cathedral.Football great Alan Ball's coffin, draped in an England flag with a traditional flat cap upon it, has been carried into Winchester Cathedral.
The 61-year-old member of the 1966 England squad was found dead at his home in Warsash, Hampshire, last week.The 61-year-old member of the 1966 England squad was found dead at his home in Warsash, Hampshire, last week.
He died of a heart attack while putting out a small fire in his garden.He died of a heart attack while putting out a small fire in his garden.
The funeral service is being held at Winchester Cathedral on Thursday. Speakers will relay the service to the thousands of people gathered outside. The funeral service is being held at Winchester Cathedral. Speakers will relay the service to the thousands of people gathered outside.
Mourners at the funeral will be led by Ball's son Jimmy, 31, and daughters Mandy Byrne, 39, and Keely Allan, 35.Mourners at the funeral will be led by Ball's son Jimmy, 31, and daughters Mandy Byrne, 39, and Keely Allan, 35.
Ball was the youngest member of England's 1966 World Cup squadBall was the youngest member of England's 1966 World Cup squad
Their mother, Ball's wife Lesley, died three years ago from cancer.Their mother, Ball's wife Lesley, died three years ago from cancer.
In an opening address at the sevice, former team mate Nobby Styles remembered how Ball gave him a fresh burst of energy during the World Cup Final, even when he felt he had no reserves left.
He said: "My most enduring memory of Alan is in the World Cup Final.
"I think all the lads would agree, he was the best player on the pitch.
"He covered every blade of grass."
Speaking outside the cathedral before the service, former Southampton manager Dave Merrington, said: "His awareness and perception of the game was absolutely terrific.Speaking outside the cathedral before the service, former Southampton manager Dave Merrington, said: "His awareness and perception of the game was absolutely terrific.
"The thing I liked about Alan was when I worked with him he was a simple guy - what you saw was what you got.""The thing I liked about Alan was when I worked with him he was a simple guy - what you saw was what you got."
Dave Watson, who played alongside Ball for England and Southampton, described his memories of the midfielder: "He was a model professional, always perky, always optimistic and a great example to everybody else.Dave Watson, who played alongside Ball for England and Southampton, described his memories of the midfielder: "He was a model professional, always perky, always optimistic and a great example to everybody else.
Everybody here today just loved the little guy, and we're going to miss him Former team-mate Bob WilsonEverybody here today just loved the little guy, and we're going to miss him Former team-mate Bob Wilson
"He was enthusiastic and it was catching, you know. You never saw the dark side.""He was enthusiastic and it was catching, you know. You never saw the dark side."
Ball was the youngest member of the England side that won the World Cup in 1966.Ball was the youngest member of the England side that won the World Cup in 1966.
Several members of the squad are attending, including centre-half and former Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton, goalkeeper Gordon Banks, full-back George Cohen and striker Roger Hunt.Several members of the squad are attending, including centre-half and former Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton, goalkeeper Gordon Banks, full-back George Cohen and striker Roger Hunt.
Lawrie McMenemy, who signed Ball for Southampton, remembered him as an outstanding role model. He said: "He was a wonderful example to all the young players we had."Lawrie McMenemy, who signed Ball for Southampton, remembered him as an outstanding role model. He said: "He was a wonderful example to all the young players we had."
Lawrie McMenemy was among mourners at the Winchester serviceLawrie McMenemy was among mourners at the Winchester service
Former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson, who played alongside Ball at Highbury in the 1970s, said: "Well, he was a magnificent footballer, and a magnificent human being.Former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson, who played alongside Ball at Highbury in the 1970s, said: "Well, he was a magnificent footballer, and a magnificent human being.
"You know, he's just an infectious character, an enthusiast, not just for football but for life itself."You know, he's just an infectious character, an enthusiast, not just for football but for life itself.
"Everybody here today just loved the little guy, and we're going to miss him.""Everybody here today just loved the little guy, and we're going to miss him."
Ball won 72 caps for his country in a 10-year career and made a total of 743 League appearances for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and Southampton.Ball won 72 caps for his country in a 10-year career and made a total of 743 League appearances for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and Southampton.
He went on to manage seven clubs including Manchester City, Southampton and Portsmouth.He went on to manage seven clubs including Manchester City, Southampton and Portsmouth.