Sunderland have announced the exit of legendary figure Kevin Ball after a 32-year association with the Black Cats. The likes of Jordan Henderson, John O’Shea, Anton Ferdinand and Alex Rae have reacted on social media.
Ball, 57, joined Sunderland as a player in 1990 and clocked up the best part of 400 appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats. He captained the Wearside outfit to Championship titles in 1996, and then again in 1999.
Following retirement, Ball held positions such as first-team coach and then taking charge of both the Under-18 and Under-21 sides. He played a crucial part in some of the biggest names to come out of Sunderland’s academy.
More recently, head of youth development and an ambassadorial role have been Ball’s titles. But now, after more than 30 years at the club, Sunderland have announced his departure. Sunderland declared the news on their site.
Henderson, O’Shea, Ferdinand and Rae react as Ball leaves Sunderland
During Ball’s time at Sunderland as a crucial part of youth development, he was pivotal in the produce of talents that included Liverpool skipper Henderson, Everton and England’s Jordan Pickford and plenty, plenty more.
But he was also pivotal in first-team affairs and the likes of Ferdinand, O’Shea and Rae worked alongside Ball during their time in the north east. A proper club legend, it is an emotional day for those of a Sunderland affinity.
Henderson, O’Shea and Ferdinand reacted on Instagram while ex-midfielder Rae took to Twitter – all to thanks and praise Ball.
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