John Ball
John Ball joined the Wanderers from Manchester United in September 1950, as Bolton attempted to plug the problem position of fullback. Ball took over the right flank and was joined soon after on the left by George Kennedy from Blackpool. He began his career with his home- town club, Wigan Athletic, during World War Two and in February 1948 joined Manchester United, for whom he made 22 First Division appearances. He was a regular for five seasons after signing for the Wanderers, being ever present during 1953-4 and 1954-5. His only lapse came during 1953, when a young Roy Hartle took over, but Ball fought his way back into the side to win a Cup Final place after Hartle had played in every other round. Hartle eventually won the fullback spot from Ball after two games of the 1955-6 campaign, but Ball continued to be on hand to fill in at either fullback position until his retirement in May 1958. Whilst with the club he represented England in a "B" international against Scotland in 1954 and was chosen twice by the Football League. He later returned to his home-town club, who were then members of the Cheshire County League, as manager. |
