Playing Extra Time

Alan Ball always wanted to be the best he ever could. Small in stature, red-haired and fiery Alan was one of the most easily recognized players of his generation. Fans on the terraces and team mates immediately took to his whole-hearted enthusiasm and never-say-die attitude. Alan is a fighter - whether overcoming his diminutive size to become a professional player and youngest member of the 1966 England squad, to the rejection he repeatedly faced as a club manager. Now Alan faces the toughest battle of life. Both his wife and daughter have been diagnosed with cancer and he is being challenged in ways that the public can only imagine. His hugely successful playing and managerial career that took him to Everton, Arsenal, Manchester City, and 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.