Alan Ball’s Eternal World Cup Glory
FAREWELL Alan Ball. You came. You scampered about the pitch like a feisty Yorkshire terrier. You won the World Cup.
On a happier note, since those heady times of 1966 and all that, England have been routinely disappointing, bereft of ball control, cohesion, tactical awareness, ability and style. They also lack belief, but it is hoped that once they get the skills, the confidence will come.
As it is, Ball’s position as one of the small band of English World Cup winners is safe for some years, and certainly while Steve McClaren is in charge of the England team.
Ball was a worker with natural talent. Ball won.
And you can just imagine Ball, one always quick to remind all and sundry about his World Cup exploits, going up to St Peter and saying, “Fair dos, you’ve got the key to the Gates, your own sandals and a flowing white beard, but have you got a World Cup winners’ medal. Go on have you? I think not.”
Of course, in riling St Peter, Ball risks being relegated, something that occurred with alarming regularity in his managerial career…
Posted: 4th, May 2007 | In: Back pages Comment (1) | TrackBack | Permalink
