Billy Bingham led Northern Ireland to the 1982 and 1986 World Cup finals

Former Northern Ireland manager Billy Bingham is to be honoured at the annual Carling Football Awards banquet in Belfast on Monday night.

Bingham, who famously led his team to the World Cup finals in 1982 and 1986, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Football Writers' Association.

Former NI stars Gerry Armstrong and Jimmy Nicholl will be among those paying tribute to Bingham.

"I doubt anyone will ever emulate his achievements," said Armstrong.

"Bingy had the Midas touch, something special which brought the best out of the players."

As well as having two spells as Northern Ireland boss, Bingham was in charge of Everton from 1973 to 1977 and also managed the Greek national team, Plymouth Argyle and Irish League club Linfield.

The awards night will also feature the naming of the Irish League's player of the year.

Cliftonville's George McMullan, Jamie Mulgrew of Linfield and Coleraine striker Rory Patterson are shortlisted for the prize.

Liam Boyce of Cliftonville and Linfiled pair Billy Joe Burns and Philip Lowry are in the running for the young player of the year.

The managers' award is between double winner David Jeffrey (Linfield), Dixie Robinson (Dungannon Swifts) and Tommy Wright who steered Lisburn Distillery to Premiership safety.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version