 Started his managerial career as player-boss of Oswestry Town, then managed Borough United, Ashton United and Nantwich Town, leaving the Dabbers to take up a coaching role with Stoke City.He managed Halifax Town in two separate spells (1967–1970) and (1976–1977), and in between these he managed Preston North End between 1970 and 1973 winning the Division 3 title, and Southport, IF Saab and IK Sirius.Ball managed Djurgårdens IF in 1979.