Billy Bingham dies at the age of 90

[CaaC (John)+]

R.I.P. Billy

 

[Michael]

It's sad to hear that a football legend like Bingham has passed away at 90 years old. He has left behind a real legacy for Northern Irish football.

Bingham was one of the most influential people in Northern Irish football, both as a player and as a manager. As a player, Bingham played for Northern Ireland at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Where Northern Ireland beat Czechoslovakia and drew with Germany, before losing to France in the quarter finals. Billy represented Northern Ireland 56 times and scored 8 goals for them as a player.

Billy Bingham's first spell as Northern Ireland manager was between 1967 and 1971, but it was during his second spell as manager for them, between 1980 to 1993, where he found most success. During this period, Billy lead Northern Ireland to both the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. During the 1982 World Cup in Spain, Bingham's Northern Ireland incredibly topped their group, by beating Spain and drawing with both Yugoslavia and Honduras. In the next round they drew with Austria, but then lost to France, which ultimately knocked them out of the World Cup.

At the 1986 World Cup, Northern Ireland didn't find as much success, drawing with Algeria, but then losing to strong Spanish and Brazilian national teams. Bingham found success at club level as well, but he will mainly be remembered for his great achievements with the Northern Irish national team. He will be greatly missed by the football community and my thoughts go out to his family.

R.I.P. Billy Bingham