News has reached Kenilworth Road of the sad passing of Billy Bingham at the age of 90 after living with dementia for 16 years.
Born in Belfast, Billy started his football career with Glentoran where he began to attract scouts, including those of the Town, due to his skills as a right winger of pace and bravery with the added ability of being more than an occasional goalscorer.
Billy decided to opt for top-flight Sunderland in October 1950 rather than Second Division Luton but the Town eventually got their man in the summer of 1958 following the Wearsiders relegation.
Proving to be an effective goalscoring winger, Billy helped the Town to their first ever FA Cup final in 1959, netting the goal in the semi-final replay against Norwich at St Andrews, Birmingham which confirmed the Wembley spot.
Top scoring in 1959-60 in an ageing side, Billy’s goals were not enough to save the Town from relegation and although prepared to stay he was soon on his way to Everton in a cash and exchange deal which saw John Bramwell and Alec Ashworth coming the other way.
At Everton, Billy won a League championship medal in 1963 before moving on to Port Vale where a broken leg eventually ended his playing career after 479 Football League appearances and 122 goals as well as 56 caps for Northern Ireland which included eight while at Kenilworth Road.
Billy then embarked on a second career where he managed Southport, Plymouth and Everton amongst others but it was while taking charge of Northern Ireland that he achieved his greatest glory in leading his country to the World Cup finals of 1982 and 1986 and being awarded and MBE for Services to Football along the way.
Our condolences go out to all his family and friends.
