Boss Jim Magilton has paid tribute to World Cup winner Alan Ball, who died of a heart attack last night at the age of 61. The Town manager was signed from Oxford United for £600,000 by Ball during his time in charge at Southampton.

Magilton told the club site: "It's a terrible loss for football and everyone who knew Alan.

"He was a lovely fella and someone who I had so much respect for. He loved the game and gave it so much.

"One of his great assets was his enthusiasm for the game and his desire to do everything the correct way, whether it be on the training field or on matchday.

"He took me to Southampton and was the reason I joined the club. I was won over by his enthusiasm and sheer love of the game.

"Being such a gifted player himself, he was frustrated at times because he was probably working with players that weren't as good as him, but he worked tirelessly to improve those players.

"I remember the things he passed on to me as a midfield player during our days together at Southampton and he went on to be major influence on my career from there. The things he taught me then have stayed with me as a player and now as a manager.

"When we were down in Southampton recently I was desperate to get hold of him and wanted him to come down and speak to the lads and the staff because he was a great motivator.

"I left a message on his phone and he rang me back to say he was in Barbados and couldn't make it. That was the last time I spoke to him. He's a great loss and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."

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