There will be a minute’s applause at all Premier League and Football League matches this weekend in memory of Alan Ball.
Southampton will also wear black arm bands in memory of our former midfielder and manager.
The tribute’s have also been coming in, in their hundreds for the man dubbed as the man of the match in the 1966 World Cup Final.
Southampton Chairman Leon Crouch told the official site: ‘It is very sad news which has hit everyone hard.
He was a great character who was always bubbly and jolly and who was a football man through and through.
‘He was a terrific player who did a fantastic job for this club. He was a great passer of the ball and a real dynamo in midfield.
He also did tremendously well for us in his brief stint as manager. He helped keep us up when all seemed lost and then inspired us to play some wonderful football the following season.
‘I was with him at Claus Lundekvam’s testimonial dinner on Saturday and he was in good spirits and excited at the prospect of us getting back to the Premiership.
He made Hampshire his home and loved the club and the area and he will be a big loss. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.’
Former Southampton and current Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp added: ‘He loved life. He was always on the move, always fit.
‘As a player he was an all round fantastic midfielder player. Great ability, great midfielder.
‘It probably came from his father who was exactly the same, so they tell me.’
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