STARS of football quite rightly turned out to pay tribute to Farnworth-born World Cup winner Alan Ball yesterday.
The England legend, who was part of the World Cup-winning side of 1966, was given a truly splendid send-off at Winchester Cathedral.
Former England room-mate Nobby Stiles gave the first address and mourners included footballers ranging from Sir Bobby Charlton, Mick Channon, Trevor Brooking, Gordon Strachan, Franny Lee and Peter Shilton to youngsters such as Theo Walcott, as well as Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
No-one who has spoken about the former Farnworth Grammar School pupil since his death last week has had a bad word to say about him.
When Alan's coffin was carried out of the cathedral, the congregation rose to applaud him as many packed crowds in football grounds across the world did for so many years.
A fitting send off for a great man.
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