I attended a luncheon in London with a lot of other football people to celebrate the launch of Alan Ball's new book.

It was held at the Caf Royal, home of the National Sporting Club, featuring the likes of Frank McLintock, George Graham, Nobby Stiles and Ray Wilson.

The audience was fascinated to hear Alan being interviewed by David Willis, brother of former England cricketer Bob, who runs the Sporting Club.

Then Nobby, Frank and myself took our turns in the hot seat.

A good time was had by all sports lovers because too often at functions sports personalities try to become comedians and there is no need because there are hundreds of excellent showbiz professionals.

What the public really like to hear from old players and managers are the real stories about real people.

Alan's book, which was serialised in the Daily Echo last week, is in the 'can't put down' category.

It will surely inspire any youngster who thinks or is told that he is too small, too light etc to become a professional.

The book details Alan's career from Blackpool to Everton onto Highbury and of course down to The Dell.

He was undoubtedly a key signing for me to ensure that we got back into the top flight, which we did eventually in 1978 with a League Cup final thrown in a year later for good measure.

It then traces his steps into management and also eventually into the media.

Family life has always been very important to people in our business and none more so than the Ball family.

I knew Alan's father long before I met Alan himself and believe me he was a real character.

Alan's wife Lesley was a wonderful woman and, sadly, Alan's book has to talk about her last days.

He has three terrific children who I have seen grow up over the years, all married and now making Alan a happy granddad.

The turnout and the affection shown towards him on the launch day was a tribute to not only a great player - remember one of only 11 Englishmen ever to win a World Cup medal - but a terrific lad.

He will always be remembered by Southampton supporters, who will have the opportunity of listening to Alan himself accompanied by my old friend and adversary Tommy Docherty and myself with the whole evening being MC'd by Mike Osman at St Mary's on Thursday, September 23.

It is still possible to book a place by contacting Food for Sport on 0207 224 1206.

This is one of many evenings to be held around the country, particularly in areas such as Portsmouth, Exeter, Blackpool, Merseyside, Highbury etc where Alan had his career both as a player and as a manager.