 THE grieving family of Everton legend Alan Ball are to join the tribute to him at a packed Goodison Park stadium tomorrow. Thousands of fans are being invited to show their respect for him by applauding for a minute before the start of the game against Manchester United. All other Premiership and football league grounds across the country will echo to a similar tribute to one of Everton and England’s greatest players. Everton players will wear black armbands. Ian Ross, head of public relations at the club, told the Daily Post: “Alan’s children, Mandy, Jimmy and Keely, are coming to the game as our guests. Alan played for a lot of clubs but the fact that his family want to come to Everton on Saturday underscores the deep affection he and his family felt for the club. “They said he always spoke of how much he loved playing for Everton. He told them it was the high point in his career, and his massive affection for the club has been transmitted to his children.” Yesterday, the white boots that Ball made famous were placed in a glass case alongside a book of condolence which has been opened in the 1878 Suite at Goodison Park. Mr Ross said Liverpool fans as well as Evertonians and supporters from other clubs had signed the book. “Blues, reds and non football fans have been to the ground to pay their respects which under-scores the fact that he was a national treasure,” said Mr Ross. “He was a very popular man, even to those with no interest in football.” The book of condolence will be open today, and Monday and Tuesday of next week. For those unable to visit in person, an online book of condolence will be available at evertonfc.com. Ball, 61, who was voted best player in the 1966 World Cup-winning England side, suffered a heart attack as he tackled a fire in the garden of his home in Warsash, Hampshire, on Wednesday. His memorial service will be held at Winchester Cathedral next Thursday. The family have requested no flowers but that any donations be made to the Bobby Moore Fund. Former England winger Steve Coppell yesterday paid tribute to Ball by describing him as a player who never shirked his responsibilities. The Reading manager never played alongside Ball but played against him many times for Manchester United. | 
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