Former Sunderland player Kevin Ball receives Freedom of the City

Kevin Ball, who was involved with Sunderland AFC for more than 30 years as player, coach and caretaker manager, has received the Freedom of the City.

Freedoms are awarded by Sunderland City Council to citizens who make “significant contributions to the wellbeing and community spirit of Sunderland”.

Cabinet member Kevin Johnston said “Bally”, as he is known, had been “a determined force both on and off the pitch”, and had “the admiration and love of all who knew him”.

At a ceremony at Sunderland’s City Hall, Mr Ball said he was “truly honoured, very grateful and humbled”.

Mr Ball was a hugely popular figure with fans during his 10 years at the club as a player and was captain when they gained promotion to the Premiership in 1999.

The midfielder left for Fulham later that year before ending his career at Burnley.

But his heart remained with Sunderland and he returned to the club, twice being caretaker manager.

Receiving the award, Mr Ball said: “It sort of makes you step back a little bit and when you read why they’re asking you to accept it, it makes you then reflect back on your time at the club.”

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Michael Mordey, described Mr Ball as a “fantastic ambassador for Sunderland”.

“I have always deeply admired Kevin, not just for what he did on the pitch or in his role afterwards at the club, but as an inspirational figure for young people,” he said.

Other people to receive Freedoms of the City were ex-serviceman Gerard ‘Ger’ Fowler for his work with the Sunderland Armed Forces Partnership, and for founding Veterans in Crisis (VICs).

It offers mental health support, counselling services and activities for an estimated 11,000-plus armed forces veterans in Sunderland.

Mr Fowler said: “It’s the proudest moment of my life. Everybody who knows me knows how much I love Sunderland.”

Former long-serving councillors Peter Wood and Louise Farthing were also honoured for eminent service to the council and city.