1. Early Life and Personal Background
Alan Ball was born in Farnworth, Lancashire, on 12 May 1945. His father, James Alan Ball, was also a professional footballer and manager who later became a publican, and his mother was Violet (née Duckworth). Ball began his football journey as a schoolboy, playing for Ashton United, a team managed by his father, in the rugged environment of the Lancashire Combination.
During his school years, Ball faced conflicts with his headmaster at Farnworth Grammar School due to missing games for his school team after signing and playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He ultimately left Farnworth Grammar without obtaining any formal qualifications. After his departure from school, Wolverhampton Wanderers decided not to offer Ball a professional contract. He then trained with Bolton Wanderers, but their manager, Bill Ridding, also declined to offer him a professional deal, citing his small stature as the reason.
Ball's professional career began when Blackpool signed him, a move facilitated by his father, who leveraged an old friendship with a coach at the club. Ball was granted a trial in September 1961 and was immediately taken on as an apprentice.
2. Playing Career
Alan Ball's professional playing career spanned 22 years, marked by his exceptional skill, tireless work rate, and significant contributions to both club and international football.
2.1. Club Career
Ball's club career saw him play for several prominent English clubs, as well as experiencing football in North America and Asia.
2.1.1. Blackpool
Ball turned professional with Blackpool in May 1962. He made his Football League debut on 18 August 1962 against Liverpool at Anfield, a match Blackpool won 2-1. At just 17 years and 98 days old, he became Blackpool's youngest ever League debutant. On 21 November 1964, Ball scored his first professional hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage. During his initial spell, he quickly established himself as Blackpool's star player, playing a crucial role in maintaining the club's First Division status.
2.1.2. Everton
Ball's outstanding performances, particularly as a member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning team, attracted interest from several larger clubs. In August 1966, he was sold to Everton for a then-record fee of 112.00 K GBP paid to an English club. At Everton, Ball formed what became known as "The Holy Trinity" in midfield, alongside Colin Harvey and Howard Kendall, a partnership still affectionately remembered by fans.
During his tenure at Goodison Park, Everton reached the 1968 FA Cup Final, where they lost to West Bromwich Albion. The following year, they were eliminated by Manchester City in the semi-finals. Ball was an instrumental player when Everton clinched the 1970 Football League Championship title, successfully fending off a late challenge from Leeds United. They also won the Charity Shield in the same year. In 1971, Everton again lost in the FA Cup semi-finals, this time to Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Ball played 259 times for Everton, scoring 79 goals in total.
2.1.3. Arsenal
On 22 December 1971, Arsenal paid a club-record fee of 220.00 K GBP to bring Ball to Highbury. At 26 years old, he joined Arsenal at the peak of his form and fitness, making his debut against Nottingham Forest on 27 December 1971.
Despite his arrival, Arsenal were unable to defend their League title in 1971-72 and also lost their grip on the FA Cup, falling 1-0 to Leeds United in the centenary final at Wembley. Ball remained a near-constant presence in the first team, making 50 appearances in 1972-73. As Arsenal's "Double"-winning side was gradually dismantled, Ball stood out as one of the few remaining quality players. He was appointed club captain in 1974.
In April 1974, Ball broke his leg, causing him to miss the start of the 1974-75 season, during which Arsenal finished 16th. He also missed the beginning of the 1975-76 season due to an injury sustained in a pre-season friendly at Crewe Alexandra, with Arsenal finishing 17th that season. Following Bertie Mee's resignation as manager in the summer of 1976, it became clear that new manager Terry Neill intended to steer the club in a different direction. Ball, then 31, continued to play for Arsenal until December 1976, when he was sold to Second Division side Southampton for a fee of 60.00 K GBP. He made a total of 217 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 52 goals.
2.1.4. Southampton
Ball's move to Southampton in December 1976 had a curious symmetry, as he had joined Everton in 1966, Arsenal in 1971, and Southampton in 1976, each time arriving at a club that was the current holder of the FA Cup. At Southampton, he played a vital role in helping the team secure promotion back to the First Division in 1978. He also earned a League Cup runners-up medal in 1979 after Southampton were narrowly defeated 3 2 by Nottingham Forest in the final.
2.1.5. North American and Later Clubs
Ball embarked on a new chapter in his career by joining the North American Soccer League (NASL). He signed with the Philadelphia Fury as a player in May 1978 and was named player-coach the following month after the dismissal of former Newcastle United coach Richard Dinnis.
A season later, after his coaching role ended, he was transferred to the Vancouver Whitecaps in June 1979. He made an immediate and significant impact, helping lead the Whitecaps to the NASL Soccer Bowl title that September. Ball also earned the 1979 Playoff MVP award, scoring seven goals in nine playoff games, and was named a 2nd Team NASL All-Star.
In February 1980, after fulfilling his contract with Vancouver, Ball returned to Britain as player-manager of his first professional club, Blackpool. While his appointment was initially well-received by supporters, Blackpool's performance suffered, and the club struggled, eventually sliding towards relegation. Ball publicly criticized the fans and, after a defeat at Brentford on 28 February 1981, his contract was terminated. Blackpool was ultimately relegated at the end of that season. Ball later reflected that he should have gained more managerial experience before taking on the role, admitting he was "a bit big-headed" and "headstrong."
In March 1981, Ball was persuaded to return to Southampton as a player, joining fellow veterans and former England teammates Mick Channon and Kevin Keegan. He departed Southampton in October 1982 to play for Hong Kong side Eastern Sports Club and also had a loan spell with Floreat Athena in Australia in 1982. He then joined Bristol Rovers in January 1983, where he remained until his retirement in the 1983-84 season. By the end of his playing career, Alan Ball had played 975 competitive games over 21 years.
2.2. International Career
Alan Ball enjoyed a distinguished international career with the England national team, highlighted by his pivotal role in their 1966 World Cup victory.
2.2.1. 1966 FIFA World Cup Triumph
Despite playing for a struggling Blackpool team, Ball's tireless industry, exceptional stamina, and precise distribution caught the attention of England manager Alf Ramsey. Ramsey gave Ball his international debut on 9 May 1965 in a 1 1 draw against Yugoslavia in Belgrade, just three days before Ball's 20th birthday. Ramsey, preparing for the World Cup that England was set to host the following year, was developing a system that utilized industrious midfielders with strong defensive capabilities, and Ball perfectly fit this mold. He could play effectively conventionally wide or centrally, always possessing the energy to support his defense when needed.
Ball was the youngest member of Ramsey's 22-man squad for the tournament, aged 21. While the entire England team earned collective heroism, Ball was widely lauded for his individual success, especially given his relative inexperience at the highest level. Along with Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, he emerged from the competition with immense credit and lasting acclaim, despite all three having only a single-digit number of caps when named in the starting lineup for the final against West Germany.
The 98,000 spectators at Wembley witnessed a magnificent personal performance from Ball in the final. His continuous running, sprinting, and tracking back stood out as teammates and opponents alike tired. With fewer than 15 minutes remaining in regular time, he won a corner on the right wing, which he promptly took. Hurst's shot from the edge of the area deflected into the air, landing perfectly for Peters, who powerfully struck the ball to put England 2 1 ahead. West Germany equalized in the final seconds, forcing the game into extra time. This seemed to inject even more energy into Ball's play; the image of his relentless running around the Wembley pitch, with his socks around his ankles, remains one of the most iconic moments of the occasion. It was his persistent chase and subsequent low cross that set up Hurst's highly controversial second goal, England's third. Ball was also sprinting upfield, unmarked and calling for a pass, as Hurst drove forward to score his historic hat-trick goal with the last kick of the game. Following England's World Cup triumph, Ball returned to a civic reception in Walkden, Lancashire, where he resided with his parents and sister. His appearance in the final marked the last time a Blackpool player earned a full England cap.
2.2.2. 1970 and 1974 FIFA World Cups
By the time of the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, Ball had become one of the first names on Ramsey's England team sheet, and he traveled with the squad as defending champions. In a group stage match against Brazil, Ball famously hit the crossbar with a powerful shot as England ultimately lost 1 0. England won their other group games, progressing to a quarter-final clash with West Germany. However, the high altitude and heat in Mexico significantly sapped Ball's natural industry. England squandered a 2 0 lead, and their reign as world champions concluded with a 3 2 loss.
In a qualifier for the 1974 World Cup against Poland in Chorzów on 6 June 1973, Ball became only the second England player to be sent off in a full international match. The incident occurred during a player scuffle when he grabbed Lesław Ćmikiewicz by the throat and kneed him in the groin. As a result, he was suspended and missed the crucial return game at Wembley Stadium, which ended in a 1 1 draw. England's failure to win this match ultimately led to their elimination from the World Cup qualifiers, marking a significant setback for the team.
2.2.3. England Captaincy and International Retirement
After Ramsey was dismissed, Joe Mercer took over as caretaker manager, though Ball did not feature under him due to injury. However, Ball's relationship with the national team improved when Don Revie was appointed as Ramsey's permanent successor. Ball was given the captaincy after Emlyn Hughes was dropped, leading England in six consecutive games, none of which resulted in a loss for the team. These matches included a 2 0 victory over reigning World champions West Germany in March 1975 and a dominant 5 1 defeat of Scotland in May 1975.
However, Ball's international career ended suddenly and acrimoniously at the age of 30. After sustaining an injury in a pre-season friendly for Arsenal at Crewe Alexandra, Ball was not called up for England's next game against Switzerland, nor was he retained as captain. He learned of this decision only when his wife received a call from a journalist inquiring about her reaction. This marked the abrupt end of his international career, which comprised 72 appearances and eight goals. Notably, he was the last member of the 1966 World Cup-winning team to retire from the international stage, although not the last in the wider squad, as Ian Callaghan made an unexpected return under Ron Greenwood in 1977.
2.3. Style of Play
Alan Ball is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever represented Everton. He was characterized as a complete and combative midfielder, possessing excellent technical ability and remarkable levels of stamina. His passing was consistently accurate, and he was adept at creating scoring opportunities for his teammates while also capable of netting spectacular goals himself. Primarily an attacking box-to-box midfielder known for driving forward towards the opponent's goal, Ball also diligently assisted his team's defenders when they were under pressure. Ken Rogers observed that Ball's fiery mentality was a key component of his success as a footballer. Furthermore, Ball was a renowned motivator on the field, with John Morrissey noting that his one-two passes with teammates invariably inspired them to elevate their game.
3. Managerial Career
Following his illustrious playing career, Alan Ball transitioned into football management, leading several clubs with varying degrees of success over a 15-year period.
3.1. Blackpool
Ball began his managerial career as a player-manager at his first professional club, Blackpool, in February 1980, after fulfilling the remainder of his playing contract with Vancouver. His appointment was met with enthusiasm by Blackpool supporters, and he returned with a strong desire to restore the club's fortunes. However, the subsequent year saw Blackpool's already poor form worsen. The club found itself in a relegation battle, and only a determined late-season effort, including four wins from their final six games, ensured an 18th-placed finish and survival in the league.
During the close season, Ball brought in several new players and also took gambles on young talent. One of his most unpopular decisions among fans was the sale of Tony Kellow, a popular player at Bloomfield Road. The 1980-81 season began with Blackpool continuing to struggle near the bottom of the table, and the initial optimism turned into anger as the team's performances failed to match Ball's promises. After an FA Cup first-round victory over local rivals Fleetwood Town on 22 November, Ball publicly criticized the fans, suggesting they did not want the team to succeed as much as he did. Ultimately, the strain became too great for both manager and club. Shortly after a defeat at Brentford on 28 February 1981, Ball's contract was terminated with immediate effect. Blackpool was relegated at the end of that season. In March 2005, Ball reflected on his time as Blackpool manager, admitting he should have accepted a coaching role under Jack Charlton at Sheffield Wednesday to gain experience. He also regretted not retaining Stan Ternent, whom he had replaced, acknowledging, "I think I was a bit big-headed, a little headstrong, and I thought being a player-manager would be no problem for me. It was a lot more difficult than I thought, and not helped by dealing with the boardroom."
3.2. Portsmouth (First Spell)
Ball resumed his managerial career in May 1984 with Portsmouth, where he achieved considerable success. After narrowly missing out on promotion to the First Division in his first two seasons, he finally guided Portsmouth back to the top flight in 1987, ending a 28-year absence. However, the club was relegated after just one season back among the elite. Ball resigned in January 1989, a decision influenced by the team's failure to mount a serious promotion challenge and a significant personality clash with Portsmouth's then-chairman, Jim Gregory.
3.3. Stoke City
In October 1989, after a brief spell as assistant to Jock Wallace at Colchester United, Ball took up a similar post under Mick Mills at Stoke City. However, Mills was sacked just two weeks later, and Ball was promoted to manager. He concluded that the squad he inherited was insufficient and promptly sold several key players, including Chris Kamara, Dave Bamber, Leigh Palin, Carl Saunders, Gary Hackett, and Nicky Morgan. To replace them, he brought in players such as Tony Ellis, Lee Sandford, Tony Kelly, Dave Kevan, Paul Barnes, and Noel Blake. This rapid and extensive overhaul of the squad was a significant gamble by Ball, but it did not pay off. Stoke remained at the bottom of the table and was relegated to the Third Division for the first time in 63 years.
Ball's subsequent objective was to secure an immediate return to the Second Division, a goal that appeared achievable as, after 12 matches in the 1990-91 season, Stoke were considered promotion favorites. However, the team's form deteriorated, and a series of embarrassing results saw them drop down the table. Following a 4 0 away defeat to Wigan Athletic, Ball was sacked. Stoke ultimately finished the season in 14th place, marking their lowest league position in history.
3.4. Exeter City and England National Team Assistant
In July 1991, Alan Ball was appointed manager of Third Division side Exeter City. Despite operating with a tight budget, which contributed to the team's struggles, Ball successfully managed to keep them in the Third Division (which became Division Two after the creation of the Premier League in 1992) until 1993. However, by the time of his departure, the club was on a trajectory towards relegation to the bottom tier.
Concurrently with his role at Exeter City, Ball also served as a coach for the England national team under Graham Taylor between February and August 1992. This period included UEFA Euro 1992, held in Sweden, where England's campaign was unsuccessful, as they failed to progress beyond the group stages of the tournament.
3.5. Southampton
In January 1994, Ball left Exeter City to take over as manager of Southampton, replacing the unpopular Ian Branfoot. At the time of his appointment, Southampton appeared destined for relegation, having spent most of the season in the drop zone. Ball's immediate priority was to redefine Matthew Le Tissier's role within the team and ensure that other players recognized Le Tissier as the club's most valuable asset. Le Tissier responded impressively, scoring six goals in Ball's first four games in charge, including a hat-trick on 14 February 1994 in a 4 2 victory over Liverpool. In the latter half of the 1993-94 season, Le Tissier played 16 games under Ball's management, scoring 15 times.
After three defeats over the Easter period, the Saints remained in the relegation zone. However, in their final six games, Southampton scored 15 goals (eight from Le Tissier) and secured 10 points, which was sufficient to confirm their safety from relegation on the final day of the season.
At the beginning of the subsequent 1994-95 season, Ball signed goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar and, more importantly, secured Matthew Le Tissier on a new three-year contract. Despite a winless start to their first four games, including a 5 1 defeat at Newcastle United, the Saints, boosted by three goals from loanee Ronnie Ekelund, then won four out of five games in September, elevating them to seventh place in the table. However, their form subsequently declined, and they won only two more games until mid-March, causing them to drop back into the relegation zone. On 22 March 1995, Southampton hosted Newcastle and were trailing 1 0 with only four minutes remaining. In a dramatic turnaround, the team scored three goals, including two in injury time, to secure an astonishing and vital victory. This result revitalized the Saints, who went on to win five of their remaining 10 games, ultimately finishing the season in 10th place.
3.6. Manchester City
Despite his success at Southampton, Alan Ball was controversially persuaded in July 1995 to become Manchester City's manager under the ownership of his former England teammate Francis Lee. His departure from The Dell was rather acrimonious, and for several years afterward, Ball's return visits to the stadium were met with abuse from some sections of the Saints' fanbase.
Ball's tenure at Maine Road proved controversial, with many observers and supporters questioning his appointment, suggesting it was based more on his name and friendship with the chairman rather than his coaching credentials. Critics argued that previous manager Brian Horton, appointed by Lee's predecessor Peter Swales, had not warranted dismissal, given City's 16th and 17th place finishes under him, compared to higher placings under Horton's predecessor Peter Reid.
In terms of transfers, Ball controversially sent Paul Walsh, who had scored 15 league and cup goals for City in 1994-95, along with cash, to Portsmouth in exchange for Gerry Creaney, who scored only four goals for City in the 1995-96 season. The 1995-96 season began terribly, with City enduring eight defeats and failing to win any of their opening 11 games. November saw a turnaround in fortunes when City finally secured a league victory at the 12th attempt, followed by a draw and two more wins. This improved form saw them end the month outside the relegation zone, and Ball was named Premier League Manager of the Month for November 1995.
However, City's form declined once more thereafter, and on the final day of the season, they drew 2 2 with Liverpool. Other relegation-threatened teams performed better, resulting in City's relegation on goal difference after seven consecutive seasons in top-flight football. Despite the relegation, the board initially retained faith in Ball, but he resigned just three games into the following season's Division One campaign. He stated that he felt compelled to sell their best players due to Manchester City's severe financial difficulties.
3.7. Portsmouth (Second Spell)
In January 1998, Alan Ball was contacted by Brian Howe, who informed him of an impending takeover bid for Portsmouth and expressed a desire for Ball to manage the club. This led to Ball returning to Portsmouth as manager in February 1998, although the proposed takeover ultimately did not materialize. At the time of his appointment, Pompey was several points adrift at the bottom of the table and facing a severe financial crisis, which resulted in the club entering administration for over a year.
In 1998, Ball masterminded a miraculous escape from relegation. On the final day of the season, Pompey defeated Bradford City 3 1, a result that ironically saw two of Ball's former clubs, Stoke City and Manchester City, relegated instead. He also successfully kept Portsmouth in the division during the 1998-99 season. However, his contract was terminated on 9 December 1999, with the club in the lower half of Division One, having accumulated 20 points from 21 games. His departure came six months after the club was rescued from financial oblivion by new owner Milan Mandaric. At 54 years old upon his retirement, Ball was the last remaining England World Cup winner actively involved in management. This marked his final employment in football before his death in April 2007.
4. Personal Life
Alan Ball was educated at Farnworth Grammar School. His father, Alan Sr., who was also a professional footballer and manager, tragically died in a car crash in Cyprus in January 1982. In April 2021, Alan Ball's son, Jimmy, continued the family's footballing legacy by becoming the third generation to manage in the Football League, when he was appointed interim manager at Forest Green Rovers. Alan Ball is also the great uncle of professional footballers John McAtee and James McAtee.
Ball was always a distinctive figure, recognized for his diminutive stature, bright red hair, and high-pitched voice. He authored several autobiographies: "Ball of Fire" in 1967, which was updated as It's All About a Ball in 1978. His third autobiography, Playing Extra Time, published in 2004, received critical acclaim for its insightful account of his triumphs and challenges in the footballing world.
In April 2004, Ball participated in the Roger Frapwell Testimonial Match at the BAT ground in Totton, near Southampton, representing Testwood Baptist Church. He wore the number 7 shirt, famously worn during England's 1966 World Cup triumph. Other notable participants in that match included former Saints manager Dave Merrington and ex-Saints defender Francis Benali. The proceeds from the game were donated to SCRATCH, a local charity.
As a dedicated family man, Ball faced private struggles when both his wife and, later, his youngest daughter were diagnosed with serious illnesses. He married Lesley on 21 May 1967 at the parish church of St Stephen in Kearsley, Lancashire. Lesley died on 16 May 2004, at the age of 57, after a three-year battle against ovarian cancer. Alan and Lesley, who had been together for five years prior to their marriage, had three children: Mandy, Keely, and Jimmy. They also had three grandchildren.
Ball continued to reside in the family home in Warsash. From mid-2005, he maintained an ongoing relationship with Valerie Beech, a childhood friend and ex-wife of former Bolton player Harry Beech. In May 2005, Ball decided to auction his World Cup winner's medal and commemorative tournament cap to raise money for his family. He publicly stated, "They are just trinkets that take up space, I don't think I've even looked at them for years. My memories of the World Cup are more important than those things to me, and my family are even more important." The items were sold for 140.00 K GBP, with other reports stating a final sale price of 164.80 K GBP.
5. Death
Alan Ball died in the early hours of 25 April 2007, at his home in Hook, Fareham, Hampshire. He was 61 years old. The cause of death was a heart attack, which he suffered while attempting to extinguish a blaze in his garden. The fire had started when a bonfire, on which he had been burning garden waste, re-ignited and spread to a nearby fence.
His funeral was held at Winchester Cathedral on 3 May 2007. Many of Ball's former football colleagues attended the service, and his distinctive flat cap, which he had become well known for wearing, was respectfully placed on top of his coffin.
6. Legacy and Honours
Alan Ball's lasting impact on football is reflected in the numerous accolades he received throughout his career and the various tributes and memorials established in his honor.
6.1. Honours and Awards
As a player, Alan Ball accumulated numerous team titles and individual accolades:
Everton
- Football League First Division: 1969-70
- FA Charity Shield: 1970
- FA Cup runner-up: 1967-68
Arsenal
- FA Cup runner-up: 1971-72
Southampton
- Football League Second Division runner-up: 1977-78
- Football League Cup runner-up: 1978-79
Vancouver Whitecaps
- North American Soccer League Soccer Bowl: 1979
- North American Soccer League National Conference Western Division: 1979
England
- FIFA World Cup: 1966
Individual (Player)
- Rothmans Golden Boots Awards: 1970, 1973
- Southampton Player of the Season: 1977-78
- Arsenal Player of the Season: 1973-74
As a manager, he received:
Individual (Manager)
- Premier League Manager of the Month: November 1995
In recognition of his overall contributions to football, Ball received several orders and inductions:
- In 2000, Ball, along with four other members of the 1966 World Cup-winning team (including Roger Hunt, Nobby Stiles, Ray Wilson, and George Cohen), was appointed MBE for their services to football. This official recognition came more than three decades after their historic achievement.
- In 2003, Ball was inducted into the prestigious English Football Hall of Fame.
- In 2011, the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame inducted the 1979 NASL champion Vancouver Whitecaps team, of which Ball was a vital member. For that season, he was also named a 2nd Team NASL All-Star and the MVP of the 1979 NASL Playoffs.
- Ball was inducted into the Blackpool F.C. Hall of Fame at Bloomfield Road when it was officially opened by former Blackpool player Jimmy Armfield in April 2006. He was included in the 1960s category, selected by Blackpool fans worldwide who voted for their all-time heroes.
- In 2001, Ball was inducted into Everton's hall of fame, known as "Everton Giants." Furthermore, at the start of the 2003-04 season, as part of the club's official celebration of their 125th anniversary, fans elected him as a member of Everton's greatest ever team.
6.2. Tributes and Memorials
On 29 July 2007, the Alan Ball Memorial Cup, a charity match featuring two squads of former international players in an "England vs. the World" format, was played in his honor. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Service.
7. Career Statistics
Detailed statistical records of Alan Ball's playing career for both clubs and the national team, as well as his managerial career, are presented below.
7.1. Club
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Ashton United | 1960-61 | Lancashire Combination | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Blackpool | 1962-63 | First Division | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| 1963-64 | First Division | 31 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 14 | |
| 1964-65 | First Division | 39 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 13 | |
| 1965-66 | First Division | 41 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 17 | |
| Total | 116 | 40 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 126 | 44 | ||
| Everton | 1966-67 | First Division | 41 | 15 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 18 |
| 1967-68 | First Division | 34 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 20 | |
| 1968-69 | First Division | 40 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 18 | |
| 1969-70 | First Division | 37 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 12 | |
| 1970-71 | First Division | 39 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 55 | 9 | |
| 1971-72 | First Division | 17 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 3 | |
| Total | 208 | 66 | 22 | 6 | 13 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 254 | 80 | ||
| Arsenal | 1971-72 | First Division | 18 | 3 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 5 |
| 1972-73 | First Division | 40 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 14 | |
| 1973-74 | First Division | 36 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 13 | |
| 1974-75 | First Division | 30 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 10 | |
| 1975-76 | First Division | 39 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 9 | |
| 1976-77 | First Division | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 1 | |
| Total | 177 | 45 | 29 | 7 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 218 | 52 | ||
| Hellenic (loan) | 1976 | National Football League (South Africa) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Southampton | 1976-77 | Second Division | 23 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 2 |
| 1977-78 | Second Division | 41 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 5 | |
| 1978-79 | First Division | 42 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 56 | 3 | |
| 1979-80 | First Division | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 1 | |
| Total | 132 | 9 | 17 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 161 | 11 | ||
| Philadelphia Fury (loan) | 1978 | NASL | 25 | 5 | - | - | - | - | 25 | 5 | ||||
| 1979 | NASL | 8 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 8 | 0 | |||||
| Total | 33 | 5 | - | - | - | - | 33 | 5 | ||||||
| Vancouver Whitecaps | 1979 | NASL | 15 | 8 | - | - | - | - | 15 | 8 | ||||
| 1980 | NASL | 16 | 2 | - | - | - | - | 16 | 2 | |||||
| Total | 31 | 10 | - | - | - | - | 31 | 10 | ||||||
| Blackpool | 1980-81 | Third Division | 30 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 38 | 5 |
| Southampton | 1980-81 | First Division | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| 1981-82 | First Division | 41 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 1 | |
| 1982-83 | First Division | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 1 | |
| Total | 63 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 73 | 2 | ||
| Floreat Athena (loan) | 1982 | West Australian Football League | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| Eastern | 1982-83 | Hong Kong First Division League | 12 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 12 | 0 | ||||
| Bristol Rovers | 1983-84 | Third Division | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 2 |
| Career total | 821+ | 187+ | 76+ | 16+ | 48+ | 7+ | 16+ | 4+ | 4+ | 0+ | 977+ | 214+ | ||
7.2. International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 1965 | 4 | 1 |
| 1966 | 13 | 0 | |
| 1967 | 5 | 3 | |
| 1968 | 6 | 0 | |
| 1969 | 8 | 0 | |
| 1970 | 10 | 3 | |
| 1971 | 7 | 0 | |
| 1972 | 5 | 1 | |
| 1973 | 7 | 0 | |
| 1974 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1975 | 6 | 0 | |
| Total | 72 | 8 | |
Scores and results list England's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ball goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 16 May 1965 | Stockholm, Sweden | Sweden | 1-0 | 2-1 | Friendly |
| 2. | 27 May 1967 | Vienna, Austria | Austria | 1-0 | 1-0 | |
| 3. | 21 October 1967 | Cardiff, Wales | Wales | 3-0 | 3-0 | 1967-68 British Home Championship |
| 4. | 6 December 1967 | London, England | Soviet Union | 1-0 | 2-2 | Friendly |
| 5. | 25 February 1970 | Brussels, Belgium | Belgium | 1-0 | 3-1 | |
| 6. | 3-1 | |||||
| 7. | 21 May 1970 | Bogotá, Colombia | Colombia | 4-0 | 4-0 | |
| 8. | 27 May 1972 | Glasgow, Scotland | Scotland | 1-0 | 1-0 | 1971-72 British Home Championship |
7.3. Manager
| Team | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matches played | Matches won | Matches drawn | Matches lost | Win percentage | |||
| Blackpool | 1 July 1980 | 28 February 1981 | 34 | 7 | 10 | 17 | - |
| Portsmouth | 11 May 1984 | 17 January 1989 | 222 | 94 | 58 | 70 | - |
| Stoke City | 7 November 1989 | 23 February 1991 | 62 | 17 | 21 | 24 | - |
| Exeter City | 6 August 1991 | 20 January 1994 | 135 | 36 | 43 | 56 | - |
| Southampton | 21 January 1994 | 2 July 1995 | 67 | 22 | 24 | 21 | - |
| Manchester City | 3 July 1995 | 27 August 1996 | 49 | 13 | 14 | 22 | - |
| Portsmouth | 26 January 1998 | 9 December 1999 | 97 | 28 | 26 | 43 | - |
| Total | 666 | 217 | 196 | 253 | - | ||