tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27676150.post8692853422279458382..comments2023-09-12T14:49:27.414+01:00Comments on Some People Are On The Pitch: Alan Ball (1945 - 2007)Chris Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14451130702323813966noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27676150.post-79169339887003573582007-04-25T17:48:00.000+01:002007-04-25T17:48:00.000+01:00Absolutely and thanks for those excellent words, F...Absolutely and thanks for those excellent words, FlicktoKick.<BR/><BR/>I noticed one or two other Scotland fans were leaving compliments on the BBC Sport website, going to prove that he played the game well and attracted many fans as a result.Chris Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14451130702323813966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27676150.post-57044664570505297372007-04-25T16:15:00.000+01:002007-04-25T16:15:00.000+01:00Alan Ball was hated by the Scots fans. Hated in th...Alan Ball was hated by the Scots fans. Hated in the footballing sense that is; ie we respected him and feared his ability and tenacity and as a result he was singled out for abuse and boos from the Scotland crowd when our paths crossed.<BR/>From interviews I seem to remember the feeling was mutual. I certainly recall him saying he 'hated the jocks' and also that he 'loved the jocks'. He respected the passion in the Scottish support, but that made the opportunity to put one over on the old enemy all the sweeter.<BR/><BR/>Living in the TVS area in the late 80's I was lucky enough to see The Channon and Ball Video Show in which the two ex-Southampton and England legends watched old matches before discussing them, with frequent mentions of 'character' etc. Throughout Ball's passion for the game shone through and gave me a greater feeling of respect for our old foe.<BR/><BR/>He was truly a great figure from the British game, a fact that has to be recognised irrespective your partisan allegiances.Flicktokickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03863268660949606261noreply@blogger.com