Alan Ball appreciation thread

[Groucho]

Occasionally over the last few weeks on a Saturday, to distract from the (lack of) transfer activity, we've had a thread discussing a former player. We've had Neville Southall and Bob Latchford to name but two, so today I thought we'd have a look at little curly Alan Ball.

To younger fans, this player is often mentioned as having been the originator of 'once Everton has touched you, nothing will be the same', but have they ever actually seen footage of him? Do they know how good he was? Indeed, he was before my time too. I hope he's not in danger of simply becoming an inspirational quote on a wall - this is a man who was one of our greatest players, winning the league here, and also being a World Cup winner.

The older generation (of which I'm rapidly becoming a part of, having seen the '80's side and witnessed success) need to inform younger blues of our greats, so who better to have a look at today that Alan Ball?

Above is footage of a game vs Newcastle, in which Ball play a large part. Take it away blues....​

 

[TrixyStevens]

The original ginger ninja

 

[Eggs]

...goes without saying, rhapsody in blue.

 

[john jako]

You oldies seen some good ones. Am 27 so my best have the likes of cahill, Ferguson and osman. Hopefully a member of the current squad can go on and be a legend like ball and so on.

 

[Groucho]

You oldies seen some good ones. Am 27 so my best have the likes of cahill, Ferguson and osman. Hopefully a member of the current squad can go on and be a legend like ball and so on.

Nothing wrong with the names you mentioned - all gave their best for Everton.

Ideally, I am hoping for this thread to be filled with tales from the older blues, actual tales of what they have seen of Ball, and their memories.

 

[royalblue66]

I still miss him Ffs.

 

[john jako]

Nothing wrong with the names you mentioned - all gave their best for Everton.

Ideally, I am hoping for this thread to be filled with tales from the older blues, actual tales of what they have seen of Ball, and their memories.

Yeh i agree some recent players where brilliant for us, however I think alot of the gloss gets took away when they don't win anything. It's a shame but it's the truth.

Anyway I don't have many tales but I used to work two stalls away from Duncan McKenzie 15 years ago in Park Hall on Sunday mornings. He used to buy me egg and bacon on toast every Sunday. Me grandad used to say he was a cracking player but was to young to know.

 

[Dario Terracotta]

IMHO only behind Dixie in any EFC scroll of honour,he was on the pitch at my own Everton debut v panathinaikos but I was too young to remember him as a player,I do recall the fantastic receptions he received when he returned with his other clubs,fitting for a man of his status here.

 

[john jako]

Yeh i agree some recent players where brilliant for us, however I think alot of the gloss gets took away when they don't win anything. It's a shame but it's the truth.

Anyway I don't have many tales but I used to work two stalls away from Duncan McKenzie 15 years ago in Park Hall on Sunday mornings. He used to buy me egg and bacon on toast every Sunday. Me grandad used to say he was a cracking player but was to young to know.

Totally forgot this was about Alan ball. Silly me. I'll stay on thread now.

 

[McBain]

Have a go at the ball boys jumping up and down. Classic.

 

[roy vernon]

Ball of fire, what an apt nickname. Hard as nails, niggly, tireless worker, great goal scorer, fine passer of the ball and believe it or not a great header of the ball for such a short man. I remember seeing him score two headers in the same game against, I think, Shefield Utd. at Goodison.

Bally was my boyhood hero, I was 13 when he signed, and I don,t mind admitting that I cried a few tears when the Cat sold him to Arsenal.

 

[Deco]

Way before my time but he was my dad's favourite player by far.

A true world class talent/gentleman by all accounts.

I'm pretty sure I've read that he was devastated to leave us, but we just couldn't turn down the offer from Arsenal?

 

[Seathestars]

'Once Everton has touched you nothing else is ever quite the same'

I always use this quote when I try to explain to non blues my love for Everton. These few words have always summed it up for me just how Everton can reach inside your heart.
World cup winner and all.

 

[1966efc]

If you can imagine silk wrappd around barbed wire, that was Bally.

He could pass, score, stick a tackle in. Above all, he worked tirelessly and motivated other players and the crowd.

He got us. Most of his party tricks were reserved for derbies. Instead of trapping the ball with his foot, he'd kill it with his arse. He'd sit on the ball and smile at them.

At the start of any match, there'd be at least one fan who'd run on the pitch to kiss his boots.

There's been noone like him since.

 

[bizzaro]

@Groucho

I think when the holy trinity statue is built

It will firmly put Alan Ball into every Evertonians minds.

I said a little prayer to him this morning for some signings.