THE grief-stricken partner of football legend, Alan Ball, said last night "I have lost the most wonderful man I have known."

Valerie Beech, from Kearsley, spoke of her love for the Farnworth-born star as tributes poured in for the youngest member of England's 1966 World Cup winning team.

Ball suffered a heart attack as he tackled a fire in the garden of his home in Hampshire on Tuesday night. He was 61.

Shortly before his death, he had watched Manchester United beat AC Milan 3-2 on television and talked enthusiastically with his son, Jimmy, about the game.

Yesterday Mrs Beech travelled to be with Ball's family after Jimmy called her at 4am to break the news of his death.

Mrs Beech, aged 59, who is divorced from ex-Wanderers player Harry Beech, said: "I cannot believe this has happened.

"When I left his home on Sunday morning to come back to Bolton, he kissed me and said he didn't want me to leave."

She and Ball first met when they were both at school.

She attended George Tomlinson School, Kearsley, and was the best friend of Ball's late wife and childhood sweetheart, Lesley, who died of ovarian cancer in 2004.

Ball and Mrs Beech pair struck-up a relationship after seeking comfort in one another following Lesley's death.

She said he had looked "the picture of health" when she said goodbye to him at the weekend.

"He said If I can have ten years with you I'll be happy'.

"We had spent the winter together holidaying in Australia and Barbados.

"He was the most incredible, kind, generous and loving person.

"I found the perfect man in Alan. His death has come as a terrible shock."

Mrs Beech wears a commitment ring which was given to her by Ball eight-months into their relationship.

She said: "He told me Lesley didn't want me to spend the rest of my life looking for someone. I am so lucky to have found what I need in you'.

"He was a perfect husband to Lesley and that's how I knew he was a wonderful man.

"He did a lot for charity and loved his family and his life. Despite his fame, he was humble and we trusted each other.

"He was a wonderful, wonderful human being."

Ball, a former Farnworth Grammar School pupil, Ball, had trials with Bolton Wanderers as a teenager, before starting his career with Blackpool.

He went on to win 72 caps for his country in a 10-year England career.

He is the second member of the 1966 side to die, following the death of captain Bobby Moore in 1993.

Mrs Beech and Ball spent the weekend together in Hampshire, visiting Newbury races on Friday and attending the Southampton v Leeds match on Saturday.

Mrs Beech said Ball had been due to attend a charity golf day with former Southampton manager, Laurie McMenemy, yesterday.

He leaves behind three children, Miranda, Keeley and Jimmy.

Add your Condolences for Alan Ball.