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1966 and All That

Alan Ball Hall of Fame Picture

Fans of Blackpool Football Club have different views on how to show their support as the Seasiders slide down the leagues. Some think it is best to stand by the team, others protesting against the owners have temporarily transferred allegiance to at least three different local teams. But one thing that all who are old enough to remember agree on is that Alan Ball is one of the greatest players to wear the tangerine shirt and grace the Bloomfield Road turf. And on September 8 Lowther Pavilion is hosting ‘Ball of Fire’, a play celebrating the life of the Blackpool player who was in a World Cup Final winning team.

Alan James Ball was only given a trial at Blackpool FC in 1961 because his father was owed a favour by the coach, he had previously been released by Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bolton Wanderers as he was thought to be too short to be a professional footballer. He prospered at Bloomfield Road though, turned professional in 1962 and became the youngest league debutant for the club aged 17 years and 98 days. Over four seasons he played 126 games for The Seasiders and scored 44 goals. His outstanding performances in the 1966 World Cup, with boundless energy whilst those around him were out on their feet, led to Everton coming in for him. He went on to play 254 games for Everton, and was part of the ‘Holy Trinity’ midfield with Colin Harvey and Howard Kendall.

Alan went on to play for Arsenal and Southampton before a spell in major league soccer in America. On his return to Britain in 1980 he became Blackpool’s player manager. Unfortunately this did not work out as well as his playing career for The ‘Pool, his own assessment being that he had been a bit big-headed and headstrong and he should have taken a lesser coaching role initially. He went on to manage several other clubs and work in the England coaching set-up.  As well as being inducted into the Blackpool FC hall of fame (see picture above) he is also in the ‘Everton Giants’ equivalent and even the English Football Hall Of Fame no less following his 72 caps for his country.

In his personal life Ball had to deal with the tragic loss of his wife to cancer in 2004, and his daughter also battled with the disease. Alan himself died in April 2007 of a heart attack whilst dealing with a garden fire that reignited and got out of control.

‘Ball of Fire’ is produced with the full support of Alan’s family. It deals with both his personal story and his remarkable football career. It is the work of Liverpool based Blue Park Theatre company, written by Kenny O’Connell and with poetic narration by Bobby Parry. The play is directed by Margaret Connell and stars ex-Everton winger Ronny Goodlass.

The previous three stagings of the show in Liverpool and Runcorn were all sell outs. After the Lytham performance the production goes on to Rhyl and New Brighton in October.

Ball Of Fire is at The Lowther on Thursday 8 September, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £14, with concessions and children £12.  For more information or to book tickets visit lowtherpavilion.co.uk 

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