Plaque unveiled to mark birthplace of World Cup legend

Bolton and District Civic Trust have unveiled a plaque to mark the birthplace of England footballer Alan Ball. The plaque, at a house on Brookhouse Avenue in Farnworth, has been funded by his former clubs.

At leaving school Ball had trials with Bolton Wanderers, but manager Bill Riding decided he was too small to be offered a professional deal. Despite this he went onto play for Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal, and England, appearing for the national side in the 1966 World Cup Final.

Alan Ball died in April last year after suffering a heart attack while attempting to put out a garden fire.