Billy Bingham 1931-2022

We are all saddened to learn of the passing of the great Billy Bingham yesterday evening, aged 90, at his residential care home in Southport.

In June 1965, with interest waning fast, no money to buy new players and the manager and trainer sacked, Southport were in dire straits when the board advertised the position of trainer-coach. Billy Bingham, the former Sunderland and Everton winger who, at the time of his appointment, had won a record number of Irish International caps, proved Southport’s inspiration. His role changed to manager in October. He brought the best out of his players and created team spirit and a professional approach which had long been absent.
In his initial season, and for the first time in 34 years, Southport resumed their giant-killing role by reaching the fifth round of the F.A. Cup. Bingham, soon appointed team manager on a three-year contract, introduced ‘method’ football to the Fourth Division; though not popular initially with spectators, it certainly achieved results. The following season, 46 years after being elected to the Football League, Southport at last won promotion as Division IV runners-up. Bingham’s managerial ability combined with his promotional flair presented a totally new outlook at Haig Avenue when he arrived in June 1965 and undoubtedly gave the club a new lease of life. 

Bingham went on to manage Plymouth Argyle and Everton before leading Northern Ireland to the World Cup finals in 1982 and 1986.

Of his two spells managing Northern Ireland, the first was combined with his duties at Haig Avenue. It would be during his second spell however that he would be best remembered as a manager. He led Northern Ireland to the World Cup finals 1982 and despite a limited squad with only one or two genuine world class players at his disposal Bingham’s team stunned the host nation, Spain with a 1-0 victory which is still shown on television and spoken about in Northern Ireland with the same reverence as if they had won the tournament.

Amongst the numerous awards and honours granted to him, he was made an MBE for services to football in 1981 and the Professional Footballers Association made him the recipient of their annual Merit Award in 1994 for “outstanding contribution” to the game.  Billy also received FIFA’s “Centennial Order of Merit” in 2004.

The mid-1960s remain a golden period for Southport, ensuring Bingham and his players will always hold legendary status at the club.

Billy was a proud member of the Former Players Association and we pass our condolences on to his son David, and all of his family and friends at this sad time.

We will bring a full tribute to Billy shortly