Early Years
Ball had been an inside left as a youngster. He took over the green jersey when the Durham County schools goalkeeper - future F.A. Cup winner Jimmy Montgomery - was injured during a game.
As a 15-year-old, Ball deputised four times for Harry Sharratt in Bishop Auckland's goal. He doubled his weekly income from working at South Hetton coal mine as a pit electrician by signing for Stanley United.
Read more about this topic: Allan Ball
Famous quotes related to early years:
“Even today . . . experts, usually male, tell women how to be mothers and warn them that they should not have children if they have any intention of leaving their side in their early years. . . . Children don’t need parents’ full-time attendance or attention at any stage of their development. Many people will help take care of their needs, depending on who their parents are and how they chose to fulfill their roles.”
—Stella Chess (20th century)