Sandra Gidley pays Tribute to Local Legend Alan Ball

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Apr 2007

Sandra Gidley MP paid tribute to World Cup winner Alan Ball who died of a heart attack last night. Mr Ball was Man of the Match during the famous victory in 1966, and Sandra Gidley said:

"While Alan played in many teams including Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and the United States he made his biggest impression on the south coast. He is possibly the only person to be loved equally by fans of both Southampton and local rivals Portsmouth.

"He achieved cult status in Southampton both during his playing days and later on in his management years, and was one of the people who put local football on the map.

"He made Hampshire his home and loved the club and the area, it is a huge loss and my thoughts are with his family and friends now."

"He was a true footballer of the like we don't see today.