Kevin Ball
Encyclopedia
Kevin Ball aka 'The Hatchet' (born 12 November 1964 in Hastings
) is a former professional footballer and now coach. Between 6 March and 8 May 2006 Ball acted as Sunderland
caretaker manager
for the last ten games of the 2005–06 season following the sacking of Mick McCarthy
, taking five points from these games. Although Ball expressed his interest in the manager's job on a full-time basis, incoming chairman Niall Quinn
was keen for the club to appoint a 'world-class manager' following the club's takeover by the Drumaville Consortium
, effectively ruling Ball out of the running. While speculation linked him with subsequent managerial vacancies at Colchester
and Darlington
, Ball remained at Sunderland under the new regime, returning to his former post of Assistant Academy
Manager.
Ball began his career in central defence but was converted in his later career into a central midfielder. Ball is one of Sunderland's best-loved former players due to his committed style of play, playing 389 games for the club in all competitions, scoring 27 goals. He also had spells with Portsmouth
and, after leaving Sunderland, Fulham
and Burnley
. Whilst at Sunderland, he played in the 1992 FA Cup Final
where they lost to Liverpool.
He was named Sunderland F.C. Player of the Year for season 1996/97, the year they were relegated from the Premier League.
Sunderland
Individual
Hastings
Hastings is a town and borough in the county of East Sussex on the south coast of England. The town is located east of the county town of Lewes and south east of London, and has an estimated population of 86,900....
) is a former professional footballer and now coach. Between 6 March and 8 May 2006 Ball acted as Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
caretaker manager
Caretaker manager
In association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
for the last ten games of the 2005–06 season following the sacking of Mick McCarthy
Mick McCarthy
Michael Joseph "Mick" McCarthy is an English-born former Irish international footballer who is currently the manager of Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he has been in charge since July 2006....
, taking five points from these games. Although Ball expressed his interest in the manager's job on a full-time basis, incoming chairman Niall Quinn
Niall Quinn
Niall John Quinn honorary MBE is a former Irish international footballer, and the ex-chairman of Sunderland AFC. He still works at the club as an overseas manager. He is also heavily involved in the management side of horse racing...
was keen for the club to appoint a 'world-class manager' following the club's takeover by the Drumaville Consortium
Drumaville Consortium
The Drumaville Consortium was a group of seven Irish businessmen and one English businessman led by former footballer Niall Quinn, who were involved in the 2006 takeover of English Premier League football club Sunderland A.F.C....
, effectively ruling Ball out of the running. While speculation linked him with subsequent managerial vacancies at Colchester
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
and Darlington
Darlington F.C.
Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003...
, Ball remained at Sunderland under the new regime, returning to his former post of Assistant Academy
Academy of Light
The Academy of Light is the name of the UEFA five star certified training facilities and youth academy for English football club Sunderland A.F.C....
Manager.
Ball began his career in central defence but was converted in his later career into a central midfielder. Ball is one of Sunderland's best-loved former players due to his committed style of play, playing 389 games for the club in all competitions, scoring 27 goals. He also had spells with Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
and, after leaving Sunderland, Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
and Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
. Whilst at Sunderland, he played in the 1992 FA Cup Final
1992 FA Cup Final
The 1992 FA Cup Final was contested by Liverpool and Sunderland at Wembley. Liverpool won 2–0, with goals from Michael Thomas and Ian Rush....
where they lost to Liverpool.
He was named Sunderland F.C. Player of the Year for season 1996/97, the year they were relegated from the Premier League.
Managerial statistics
| Team | Nat | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | L | D | Win % | ||||
| Sunderland Sunderland A.F.C. Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League... |
 |
March 7, 2006 | May 31, 2006 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 10.00 |
Honours and Awards
As a player:Sunderland
- Football League Division 1 winner [2]: 1995-96, 1998–99
Individual
- Sunderland Solid Gold XI