text: SOCCER - BALL RESIGNS AS MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER . MANCHESTER , England 1996-08-27 Former England midfielder Alan Ball resigned as manager of first division side Manchester City on Monday night , the club said . Ball , appointed in July 1995 , was unable to prevent City being relegated from the premier league last season and his record read 13 wins , 14 draws and 22 losses in 49 games . They have lost two of their three matches so far this season . Club secretary Bernard Halford said in a statement : " The chairman and Board would like to place on record their appreciation of his endeavours and efforts whilst in his period of office and wish him well in the future . "