Sunderland hero and former Northern Ireland manager Billy Bingham has died at the age of 90, his family have announced. Bingham, who was born in Belfast, was diagnosed with dementia in 2006 and passed away yesterday in a care home in Southport, Merseyside.
A statement from Bingham's son David said: 'Dad was diagnosed with dementia back in 2006 and I think it is a tribute to his will that he managed another 16 years from that diagnosis to the time he passed away. He passed away peacefully last night at 10.30pm in a care home in Southport.
'We are very proud of all our dad achieved.'
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The winger came through the ranks at Northern Ireland side Glentoran before making an £8,000 move to Sunderland in 1950, becoming part of the club's 'Bank of England' side in the 1950s. He made 227 appearances in all competitions and scored 47 goals for the club before leaving to join Luton Town, again for £8,000, in 1958.
During his time on Wearside, Bingham was a member of the side that finished fourth in the top flight in 1955, four points behind champions Chelsea. But he was also part of the side that was relegated in 1958, marking the first time that Sunderland had dropped out of the old First Division.
After three years at Luton, Bingham joined Everton in 1961 - winning the title with the Toffees in 1963 - and following three years at Goodison Park, he ended his career with a two-year stint at Port Vale. Bingham won 56 caps for Northern Ireland, 33 of which came during his time with Sunderland.
He went on to manage Southport, Plymouth Argyle, Linfield, Everton, Greek side PAOK, Mansfield Town, and Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. He also had two spells in charge of Northern Ireland, and also the Greece national team.
Bingham, who as a player reached the World Cup quarter-finals with Northern Ireland, led his country to two World Cups in his second spell in charge - exiting in the quarter-finals in 1982, and in the group stage in 1986.
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