SHARP LEADS TRIBUTES

Graeme Sharp has led the Everton tributes to footballing hero Alan Ball who died unexpectedly overnight on Tuesday.

Ball, who joined the Blues from Blackpool in the summer of 1966 - just two months after helping England to World Cup glory at Wembley - passed away at his home in Hampshire.

Sharp said: "It is absolutely unbelievable, I am absolutely devastated as will everyone connected with Everton Football Club.

"I was only in his company a fortnight ago at an Everton function and he was his usual self, always on the go, laughing and joking.

"That night he got up and addressed the Evertonian crowd and as usual they were in absolute awe of him.  He commanded respect."

A member of the formidable Harvey, Kendall and Ball midfield, in total he made 250 appearances, scoring 78 goals and during his spell at Goodison was an integral part of the 1969/70 Championship winning side

Sharp added: "He was a true footballing genius in every sense of the word.  Few others have done what Alan Ball have achieved in football and he will sadly missed by all."