Alan Ball Jr.
Edit
Enlarge Image
Later Playing Career and Transition to Management
In 1978, Ball moved to the United States to play in the North American Soccer League. He joined the Philadelphia Fury and later played for Vancouver Whitecaps in 1979. Returning to England in 1980, he rejoined Blackpool as a player-manager. However, his management stint at Blackpool was short-lived, ending in 1981 after an underwhelming season. Ball officially retired from playing in 1984.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 12 May, 1945
- Age
- 74 yrs
- Occupations
- Association football player
Association football manager
Show all facts
- Citizenship
- United Kingdom
- Birth Place
- Farnworth
- Education
- Farnworth Grammar School
- Gender
- Male
- Description
- English footballer and manager
- Net Worth 2021
- 30 million
Managerial Career: Portsmouth, Southampton, and Manchester City
Ball resumed his managerial career in 1984 by taking charge of Portsmouth. Despite some promising moments, the club's overall performance led to his dismissal in 1989. He later served as an assistant manager at Colchester United before becoming the manager of Stoke City, though he did not find significant success with the team.
Continuing his managerial journey, Ball led clubs such as Exeter City and Southampton before being appointed manager of Manchester City in 1995. His tenure at City was marked by challenges and eventually ended in relegation. In 1998, he returned to manage Portsmouth for a second time.
Legacy and Death
Alan Ball passed away on April 25, 2007, from a heart attack at the age of 61. A World Cup winner and passionate footballer, he remains a celebrated figure in English football history. His dedication to both club and country, along with his contributions as a manager, solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s enduring personalities. His net worth remains undisclosed.
