Alan Ball - 1945 - 2007

April 25, 2007 on 9:44 pm | In Arsenal FC | posted by Block19er |

First of all a great hero of many gooners passed away early this morning. Alan Ball was first an England hero in ’66 and then in the 70’s a wonderful gooner. Although I am far too young to say I got to enjoy watching him play from what I have seen he was wonderful in the middle of the park and would fit right in with a Wenger team. Enjoying one-touch football and quick passing. As I was growing up Alan was a top-flight manager and always presented himself as an honest figure. Ball didn’t win any trophies while at Arsenal but slotted nicely in the team after the ‘71 double and managed 217 appearances and scored 52 goals for us.  Strangely a second ex-gooner passed today. Arthur Milton was the last man to play cricket and football for England. Milton played 84 times for Arsenal and won the League with us in 1953. 

Most of the football world today was focused on the Chavs’ v the scouse. So not too much to say on the current Arsenal front. Legend Tony Adams managed to make the Sun today talking about how Wenger will one day leave Arsenal for politics. I’m not sure what Arsene’s political persuasion is but he’d get my vote. Perhaps he’ll go for London mayor. Adams also pointed to the fact that the gunners have missed Bergkamp more this season than they will Dein. I’m sure he’s right. How do you replace Bergkamp…….