AFC TOTTON go into tomorrow’s Enterprise National League South fixture with joint-interim managers after Jimmy Ball left for Torquay United.
Striker and assistant manager Scott Rendell will step into a joint interim role alongside Director of Football David Wright as the club begins the search for a permanent successor.
Ball leaves the Stags after an extraordinary four-year spell in charge, having joined the club in March 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw 219 matches, recording 133 wins and achieving an impressive win rate of 60.7%.
His time at AFC Totton was marked by sustained success and historic achievement. Ball guided the club to the Southern League Division One South title and secured promotion from the Southern League Premier Division last season. He also led the team to THREE consecutive Southampton Senior Cup victories, as well as lifting the Southern League Champion of Champions trophy.
Most notably, Ball’s leadership saw AFC Totton reach the National League South for the first time in the club’s history, marking a new high point in their progression through the English football pyramid.
Jimmy Ball, son of 1966 England World Cup winner Alan Ball, also holds a unique place in football history. The Ball family became the first to have three generations manage in the Football League during his time at Forest Green Rovers.
AFC Totton chairman Kevin Hebenton paid tribute to Ball’s contribution, stating: “On behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone associated with AFC Totton, I would like to sincerely thank Jimmy for his outstanding contribution during his time at the club.
“We wish him every success in the next chapter of his managerial career with Torquay United Football Club.”
In his farewell message to supporters, Ball said: “Over the past four years, I have given everything I could to AFC Totton.
“Together, we’ve shared some truly special moments and achieved a great deal that I will always look back on with pride.
“I want to sincerely thank you all for the incredible support you have shown me and the players throughout this journey. It has meant more than words can express.
“I firmly believe the club is in a much stronger position now than when I first arrived, and I take immense pride in having been part of that progress.
“Thank you for everything.”
