As an Evertonian , Alan Ball always had a special place in my heart- you could only admire his passion to be a winner , his tenacity in the tackle and also his glorious footballing ability - how surreal that this god of English football - who would earn 100% for heart - was taken from us in such a way.
Bobby Moore is alone no more.
As a fellow Evertonian said to me today " the only red and white that I have ever loved was Alan Balls hair and his boots !!!"
Tribute indeed.
Rest in peace little squeeky voice.

chris skelly, widnes, uk

People forget that Alan finished his playing career with a short spell at Bristol Rovers - where, even at 37 years old, his enthusiasm, skill and endeavour made him everyones favourite.

Not many can say they won the World Cup and played for the Rovers. Alan will be sadly missed by everyone who loves the great game.

Simon Gould, Gashead, Bristol

Alan would often coach from the sideline my Sunday football team when I was eleven. I still remember the ecouragement he would shout. I am now 45.

Simon Guernsey

Simon Nash, Guernsey,

Alan Ball was a hero of mine as a boy. He was a passionate player who rarely played a poor game. A great competitor whose battles with the other feisty players (Bremner, Mackay etc) were always good to watch. He was also a very early football icon. I was one of many boys who bought white football boots after seeing Alan Ball wear them. Terribly sad to hear one of the World Cup heros die.

David, Guildford,

True about Maradona.... though that might be because he was regarded by the press as 'the greatest' . Me, I got the impression that to do the things he did he must have been on something..!!

dachaidh, rhu, scotland

My condolences to Alan Ball's family.

I played golf with Alan at Yeovil in a charity day about three years ago. He was as competitive at golf as he was at football trying as hard as he could over every shot and putt, encouraging our team to the best score we could muster.

Then he stayed talking to us until about 11.00 before leaving. He talked away about his family, what he should do with his world cup medal and his other great love - horses and horse racing.

Alan was great company and a great person. It's a very sad day for all those whose life he touched.

Tim, Sherborne, England

I only saw awe inspiring clips of this man play as he was well before my time and my father loved Alan Ball, in fact, he was his favorite player alongside Booby Moore. My thoughts go out to Jimmy and the rest of Alan's family, he truly was a great player and character.

Tom Davis, Birmingham, England

A great player with a fantastic heart, he was dropped from international football far too early; his death is a terrible loss to
the english game.
A true gentleman as well.

Michael J Rigby, Chorley Lancashire, England

Small in stature, Squeeky voice, tenacious character, tireless midfielder, the footballers of today would do well to watch and learn from his style of play.

Sadly missed, rest in peace with Lesley.

John Pleasance, Crawley, West Sussex

I used to write letters to him when he was the Manager of Pompey. I did not agree with some of his managerial ploys, but to his credit he always replied. I heard him speak on the radio once about the love he had for his wife, and how devastated he was when she died. Maybe he carried that burden too heavily. I hope he has peace now.

Roger Goldsmith, Portsmouth, Hants

yup a great footballer and a man of integrity

chris, Stourbridge, uk

A great footballer.
Eusebio, one of the all time greats almost died this week (he had surgery and is still in intensive care) and not a line was written... Maradona has hickups and he is all over the news.

Al Meida, Manama, Bahrain

A sad day. He gave everything his diminutive stature could offer. A world cup winners medal a just reward.
I was lucky enough to meet him in the 80s at Soton FC.
And yes, he was a nice bloke.

Douglas , Crawley, W Sussex UK

Sorry to hear the sad news about ALAN BALL rip. Billy Dublin.

James Gough, Dublin, ireland

A terrible shame.

Dominic Philpot, London,

Brilliant ball carrier from back to front and could thread it through a needle.

Enormous energy , he covered the park.

He must have felt like a wasp to the opposition, a little irritant buzzing round stopping you enjoying your day.

A great footballer.

gerard ward, aberdeen,

An English football legend. Thanks for all memories. You will be greatly missed.

Mark, Liverpool, UK

The memory of '66 will last forever. Kick some goals upstairs Alan.

Robert Edwards, Sydney, Australia

God bless...may you pass over peacefully......Fish

mike, saratoga, USA