Alan Ball, the youngest member of England's 1966 football World Cup winning side, died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 61.
"It is with the very deepest of regret that Everton Football Club has to report the death of Alan Ball," the Premier League club said on their official web site (www.evertonfc.com) on Wednesday.
The former Everton, Arsenal and Southampton midfielder won 72 caps for his country, scoring eight goals, before moving into management.
Ball becomes the second member of the side that beat West Germany 4-2 in the 1966 final at Wembley to pass away. Captain Bobby Moore died of cancer in 1993.
"I just can't believe it. His nickname was 'Bouncy', he was just such a bouncy, lively 61-year-old," England team mate Alan Mullery told Sky Sports News.
"It's such a shock. He was a loveable character, heart of gold and lived football. He just loved playing for his country.
"He was a wonderful footballer to have in your side, he was so enthusiastic. He had a marvellous engine for a midfield player and had wonderful skill."
Ball started his career with Blackpool before moving to Everton in August 1966 for a British record transfer fee of 110,000 pounds ($219,700).
The flame-haired Ball had a fiery temperament and was part of the midfield trio, with Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey, that helped Everton to the league championship in 1969-70.
Eighteen months later, Ball was sold to Arsenal for 220,000 pounds.
His departure came as a major surprise to Everton fans. Only nine months earlier manager Harry Catterick, who valued Ball at one million pounds, said he would not sell him.
Ball, who had a penchant for white boots, combined a burning desire to win with a fine touch on the ball and an ability to find the net in important games.
He spent five years at Arsenal before joining Southampton where he had two spells, interrupted by a brief period in North American soccer, before finishing his playing career at Bristol Rovers in 1983.
Ball then enjoyed a varied managerial career, taking charge of Portsmouth (twice), Manchester City, Southampton, Blackpool, Stoke City and Exeter.
Ball was awarded an MBE in 2000 for his services to football.
World Cup-winning colleague Jack Charlton told BBC Radio: "I am going to miss Alan more than anybody because we had a tremendous relationship.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson said: "We all loved him. He was just an amazing character, an infectious character."
© 2024 Rediff.com -