It was the death of Hall – a young, fit, international footballer – from polio which helped to kick-start widespread public acceptance in Britain of the need for vaccination.
[5] It was while playing at right half for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during his National Service that he was spotted by Birmingham City chief scout Walter Taylor, whose other successes included Gil Merrick, Trevor Smith and Ken Green.
In 1955–56, he was part of the team that reached the club's highest ever finishing position, sixth in the First Division, and the Cup Final, losing 3–1 to Manchester City.
[8] He finished on the losing side only once for England, and formed a fine understanding with regular defensive partner Roger Byrne of Manchester United.
Centrally sited above the main stand at St Andrew's, it was unveiled in September 2008 by Hall's teammates Alex Govan and Gil Merrick.
[12] In Hall's obituary in the Birmingham Post, he is remembered as "one of [Birmingham City's] most skilful and popular players … who harnessed a keen intelligence to natural footballing ability to make a mark of considerable distinction on the game", adding that "his style of play, which tried to ensure any defensive move was turned smoothly and quickly to attack, and his demeanour on and off the field were classic examples to young devotees of the game".