Playing
Extra Time, by Alan Ball (2004)
SMALL in stature, red-haired and fiery, Alan Ball was one of the most easily recognised players of his generation.
Fans on the terraces and team mates immediately took to his whole-hearted enthusiasm and never-say-die attitude. He overcame his diminutive size to become a professional player and youngest member of the 1966 England squad, and repeatedly faced rejection as a club manager.
But he now faces the toughest battle of life after his wife and daughter were diagnosed with cancer and are currently in remission. His hugely successful playing and managerial career that took him to, among others, Everton, Arsenal, Manchester City, Southampton and Portsmouth - plus two World Cups with England - now takes a back seat to the real test of character brought about by the illness of his loved ones.