Lundekvam tribute to Bally

"It's a very sad day for all of Hampshire really, and you really feel for the family," he said. "He was far too young to lose him. He was laughing and joking at my testimonial dinner on the Saturday, and then a few days later he was gone.

"He was such a friendly man and good, good character. What sticks in my memory is he had so much time for everyone - he was such a welcoming man and would always try to help everyone".

Former Saints and England footballer Russell Osman felt the service had been a worthy tribute to a great man.

"Today just shows you what high esteem people held Alan Ball in," he said. "He was a lovely fellow who would do anything for anyone - one of life's genuine people, and there aren't enough of them about.

"He was such a character that anyone who met him had a story about him. A fantastic player and it was great to see such a good tribute to him".

Former England and Saints goalkeeper Peter Shilton described the day as one of "mixed emotions".

"I think today it came home that Bally's really gone," he said. "Until today I couldn't really believe it, but I'm just so pleased with the way people have responded.

"Bally would have been pleased with the celebration of his life. He was so passionate and just lived for football and racing, and he was a great character - he was special".

Dave Merrington, who replaced Ball as Saints' manager in 199r, said: "It's a sad day for everyone in football.

"Alan was a man who had great passion and enthusiasm.

"He was manager of both (Saints and Pompey) clubs and he had a great rapport with both sets of fans.

"He achieved greatness but retained the common touch, and that's why people responded to him so well.

"He never got carried away with himself and always made time for people, which people appreciated".

For four pages of coverage of Alan Ball's memorial service today, don't miss tomorrow's Daily Echo.