Jack Ball

Jack Ball

Born in Southport in 1907, Jack turned out for his local side before making his name at non-League Chorley where his goalscoring exploits led to him being signed by Manchester United.

His stay at Old Trafford was short and finances dictated that he be sold to Sheffield Wednesday in 1930 where he became a goalscoring legend netting 94 goals in 135 starts. Surprisingly sold back to Manchester United his stay again was short before a brief stop at Huddersfield where a fall-out over the terms of his contract saw the Town jump in and sign him in October 1934.

A proven goal poacher who, although being short in stature, was good in the air and scored 30 goals in 31 League games in 1934-35 before an ankle injury cut back his appearances the following campaign. Whilst recuperating, he took on a player-coach role with French side Excelsior Roubaix who won the French National Cup whilst he was there but he was back at Kenilworth Road for the promotion winning season of 1936-37 playing as a foil to the prolific Joe Payne.

After losing his place to Albert Dawes, Jack had a season of reserve football before retiring and working at Vauxhall Motors where he was player-coach of the works football team.

Jack passed away in Luton in 1976.