Bolton had its own part to play in 1966 World Cup final win

Farnworth born Alan Ball was one of the unsung heroes of the team, with his tireless play proving to be a thorn in the side of the West German defence.

In addition, commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme, who like Alan Ball was a pupil at Farnworth Grammar School, become immortalised in history for uttering his famous phrase as Geoff Hurst secured his hat-trick.

Ever since he was a young boy, Alan Ball was destined to become a professional footballer.

His father, Alan Ball Sr, had a professional career with Oldham Athletic and Rochdale, before becoming a manager.

And as Alan Ball Jr’s uncle Trevor Ball recalls, he was groomed to play the game.

Trevor, aged 77, who lives in Farnworth, said: “He brought Alan up to play football. He said: ‘Don’t get a job, you are going to be a professional footballer.

“He was also his harshest critic. Alan could have been having a blinder, but the first thing he did wrong he was at him.”

Alan had trials with Bolton Wanderers, the club he idolised as a youngster, but bosses rejected him because of his small stature and reportedly advised him to become a jockey.

But Blackpool took him on as a schoolboy, and aged 17 he made his mark and earned himself a first team spot.

Trevor recalls that Alan was playing in the Tangerines’ third team as inside right, but injuries meant that he was promoted to the first team.

He played in a pre-season friendly against Bury, and impressed so much that he secured a first team berth that season, becoming the club’s youngest debutant aged 17.

He quickly gained caps for England under 19s and under 21 sides, and won his first cap against Yugoslavia in Belgrade in 1965, three days before his 20th birthday.

When the 1966 World Cup came around, Alan was an established member of the England squad and was selected by Alf Ramsey.

He was the youngest member of the team, aged 21, and was valued by Ramsey for his passing abilities, as well as his stamina and determination.

Alan featured in the first game against Uruguay, but did not appear again until the quarter final, continuing in the semi-final.

But it was his performance in the final against West Germany that secured his legendary status.

Alan terrorised West German full back Karl-Heinz Schnellinger throughout the game with his constant running and energy.

He provided Geoff Hurst with the ball to score his controversial second goal, and his energetic running bought Hurst some time to help him complete his hat-trick.

Trevor says Alan later told him that he knew he had the measure of Schnellinger.

He said: “Alan said: ‘I could tell he was gasping, he was not as fit as me’. He was screaming for the ball when he made the run for Geoff Hurst.”

Trevor was at Wembley Stadium for the game, travelling down with Alan’s mother and father and other family members, and he describes the occasion as “unbelievable”.

He said: “We went into London after and tried to get a drink but it took about half an hour to get a drink, the pubs were that full. Everyone was out on the streets celebrating.”

Even more unbelievable is that Alan’s dad missed extra time, as he had a flight to catch.

He was coaching at Stoke City at the time, and had to fly for a pre-season tour in Ireland.

Trevor said: “That was just the way it was, you had your allegiance to your team.”

And after the celebrations, Alan returned to his parent’s home in Farnworth.

Trevor added: “It seems incredible now, he just went back to his mum and dad’s two up two down.”

After the World Cup, Alan was transferred to Everton, before spells at Arsenal and Southampton.

He later become a manager, including periods in charge at Stoke City and Manchester City.

He was awarded the MBE in 2000, and in 2005 sold his World Cup winners medal and commemorative cap for £140,000 to set up a trust fund for his grandchildren.

Alan Ball died in 2007, aged 61, after suffering a heart attack, becoming the second member of the 1996 winning team to die, following Bobby Moore who passed away in 1993.

After his death, Geoff Hurst paid tribute to Alan, saying: “Ask any of the players who was their man of the match and they would all say Bally.”

Another Farnworth Grammar School pupil whose place in history was secured by that game on Saturday, July 30 in 1966 was commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme.

Born in Worsley in 1920, he followed the fortunes of Bolton Wanderers from a young age.

He started a career in journalism before the Second World War intervened, joining the RAF in 1938 to train as a pilot, anticipating the call-up.

Kenneth served in more than 100 missions, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for his service.

He returned to journalism following the war, and moved into broadcasting.

He worked as a radio reporter during the 1950s, before receiving his big break in 1964, becoming the first presenter of new BBC show Match of the Day.

But it was not until 1966 that he became internationally famous, uttering the famous lines: “Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over, it is now.”

Those famous words are inscribed on a flagstone in Churchgate in Bolton town centre.

He went on to commentate in 23 successive FA Cup Finals and at five World Cup Finals, in a distinguished career on the BBC and ITV.

Despite moving away from the town, Bolton was always close to his heart.

He often returned for different events, including in 1997 when he was a guest at Wanderers’ last game at Burnden Park in April 1997, when he re-created his iconic catchphrase.

As an innovator in the field, Kenneth often criticised the new style of commentary, claiming it had become “Americanised” and that his successors “overdo it”.

And he always said he was delighted to have played a part in the England football team’s finest hour.

He said: “It wasn’t just a team. Alf Ramsey formed a football club in 1966. I have always felt privileged to be part of it.”

Kenneth died in 2002, aged 81. World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton paid tribute to him, saying: “He had a marvellous voice which everybody remembers, and of course, those very famous words.

“He created the picture - 1966 is not just about the players, it’s about Kenneth Wolstenholme as well.”