Ball, John


John Ball

John Ball

Clubs played for: Southport, Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday, Manchester United, Huddersfield Town, Luton Town (1929-1936)

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Biography: Legend has it that when United's chief scout, Louis Rocca, wanted to beat off the competition from several other clubs to sign the highly rated Ball, he picked him up from his home one Sunday in a taxi and drove around all day until they had shaken off the competition. His first spell at Old Trafford only lasted a few months before he was sold to Sheffield Wednesday when the club needed cash, only to return two and a half years later in part exchange for Neil Dewar. He created history in September and October 1934 when he appeared in all three divisions in a six week spell. He ended his career at Luton Town where he missed one game against Bristol Rovers through injury and his stand-in, Joe Payne, scored ten goals! He spent 20 years working for Vauxhall Motors before joining a wholesale manufacturing chemist. He was a masseur in his spare time and in retirement, helped out behind the bar of his son's pub. He died in February 1976, aged 69.




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