ALAN Ball's tearful son Jimmy today told how he was "proud" of his dad and hoped he would now be reunited with his mother who he "missed terribly".

Speaking at the family home, Jimmy said he had heard the devastating news by telephone during the night that his dad had suffered a fatal heart attack.

The call came just hours after the pair had spoken following the football match between Manchester United and AC Milan.

He said: "I got a call last night and we believe he suffered a massive fatal heart attack in the early hours of the morning.

"I spoke to him last night after the football and he was very enthusiastic and in great form.

"He was at home yesterday and had been doing his jobs around the garden. I'm so proud of what he has achieved and what he has done."

Jimmy continued: "He loved Portsmouth and Southampton Football Clubs dearly and I am sure he will be sadly missed.

"I would like him to be remembered as a nice man with a great passion for football.

"He had a big heart and was very generous. I think he missed my mother terribly and she passed away three years ago, but hopefully they will be together now.

"As a father he tried to be strong and help us through it.

"My earliest memory of him playing football was probably when he was with Southampton.

"But it made no difference to me whether he was a plumber, a carpenter or a footballer...he was my dad."