SAINTS legend Alan Ball died as a result of natural causes, a post mortem examination found today.

The 61-year-old 1966 World Cup winner was found dead at his home in Hook Lane, Warsash, at 12.15am yesterday.

He died of a heart attack while putting out a small fire which had broken out in a compost heap in his garden.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: "We have been informed by the coroner's office at Portsmouth that Mr Ball died as a result of natural causes."

Football clubs across the country will pay tribute to the former Saints player and manager this weekend with one minute's applause preceding all Premier League and Football League matches.

A funeral and thanksgiving service is to be held at Winchester Cathedral next Thursday.

The family have requested no flowers but that any donations be made to the Bobby Moore Fund.

Figures from across the footballing world have paid tribute to Ball, who produced a man-of-the-match performance to help England to their Wembley victory against West Germany.

The Football League's chief operating officer Andy Williamson, said: "Alan made an enormous contribution to League football as a player and a manager and his part in English football's proudest day will live long in the memory.

"Having a minute's applause at every match this weekend will give supporters the opportunity to pay their own tribute."