Kevin Ball aka 'The Hatchet' (born 12 November 1964 in Hastings) is a former professional footballer and now holds the position of Senior Professional Development Coach at Sunderland A.F.C. Between 6 March and 8 May 2006 Ball acted as Sunderland caretaker manager for the last ten games of the 2005–06 season following the sacking of Mick McCarthy, taking five points from these games. Although Ball expressed his interest in the manager's job on a full-time basis, incoming chairman Niall Quinn was keen for the club to appoint a 'world-class manager' following the club's takeover by the Drumaville Consortium, effectively ruling Ball out of the running. While speculation linked him with subsequent managerial vacancies at Colchester and Darlington, Ball remained at Sunderland under the new regime, returning to his former post of Assistant Academy Manager. Manager Martin O'Neill promoted Ball to become the club's 'Senior Professional Development Coach' in July 2012, which includes being responsible for the club's reserve team and the club's under-21 players.
Ball began his career in central defence but was converted in his later career into a central midfielder. Ball is one of Sunderland's best-loved former players due to his committed style of play, playing 389 games for the club in all competitions, scoring 27 goals. He also had spells with Portsmouth and, after leaving Sunderland, Fulham and Burnley. Whilst at Sunderland, he played in the 1992 FA Cup Final where they lost to Liverpool.
He was named Sunderland F.C. Player of the Year for season 1996/97, the year they were relegated from the Premier League.
Read more about Kevin Ball: Managerial Statistics, Honours and Awards
Famous quotes containing the words kevin and/or ball:
“Well, on the official record you’re my son. But on this post you’re just another trooper. You heard me tell the recruits what I need from them. Twice that I will expect from you.... You’ve chosen my way of life. I hope you have the guts enough to endure it. But put outa your mind any romantic ideas that it’s a way to glory. It’s a life of suffering and of hardship and uncompromising devotion to your oath and your duty.”
—James Kevin McGuinness, and John Ford. Lt. Col. Kirby Yorke (John Wayne)
“When Adam delved and Eve span,
Who was then the gentleman?”
—John Ball (hanged 1381)