Sunderland have announced that club legend Kevin Ball has left his ambassadorial role at the Stadium of Light.
It brings to an end Ball's three-decade association with the club during which encompassed almost a decade as a player - much of which was spent as captain - before going on to become coach, academy manager, and occasional caretaker-manager before becoming a club ambassador in 2014.
The 57-year-old, known to all on Wearside as 'Bally', was furloughed from his ambassadorial role in 2019 when the Covid pandemic struck and he has not returned to work since.
Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: "Kevin is a Sunderland AFC legend in the truest sense of the word and he will always be welcome at the Stadium of Light.
"As a player, coach and ambassador, he has embodied the spirit of Sunderland and set an example to all of those around him, including players and staff.
"We thank him for his immense contribution and wish him well for the future."
Here is how Sunderland fans have been reacting to the news.
@NewLaidler: “Terrible decision. The man epitomises SAFC.”
@Fulwell73: “An all time great, a true club legend, old school in all the best ways and for a whole generation of Sunderland fans, our captain and leader.”
@DavidHindmarsh7: “KLD is right, Bally did embody the spirit of Sunderland, because he was honest as the day’s long and had a heart the size of a dustbin lid. Shame others haven’t followed.”
@RokerPark150705: “The departure of a club icon like Kevin Ball is sad news indeed… SAFC will be a poorer place without him.”
@howey_norman: “I’ve known Kevin for a great number of years and couldn’t wish to meet a nicer man, very down to earth and humble and what a player he was. Gave his all for the club, thanks Kev you were a one off.”
@Sunderlandoful: “All the very best Bally. You embodied everything that it meant to be a Sunderland player. Thank you for giving most of your life to our club.”
@it_w4snt_me: “After the last few weeks I sincerely hope this was his idea and not yours…”
@thedevilsdigit: “One of the best professionals I have ever seen play for Sunderland. He was a leader who others followed without question on the pitch. Watched some of the best football by a Sunderland team under his captaincy. Thank you Sir and good luck.”
@milburn60: “Just caps off a really bad week at the football club. Absolute legend, irreplaceable. Good luck Bally in whatever you do and thanks for everything.”
