Billy Bingham is included in the Luton Legends Series.

Another former Luton player who became a fan favorite is the latest in our on-going series on those who have attained legendary status among the support.

In addition to those who have already been mentioned, there are still a number of others worth mentioning: John Moore, David Preece, Mal Donaghy, Brian Lewis, Bruce Rioch, Fred Jardine, Brian Horton, Kevin Nicholls, Tony Read, Steve Foster, Mike Keen, Ian Buxton, Lars Elstrup, Peter Anderson, Graham French, Alan West, David Moss, Terry Branston, John Aston, Paul Futcher, John Ryan, Syd Owen, Marvin Johnson, Malcolm

Joe Payne, Max Dougan, Alan Slough, Ray Whittaker, Dave Pacey, Milija Aleksic, Ron Davies, Sandy Davie, Jack Bannister, Ricky Hill, Chris Nicholl, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Don Givens, Gordon Turner, Brian Stein, Jesse Pye, Raddy Antic, Gordon Riddick, Wally Shanks, Bob Morton, Les Sealey, John O’Rourke

Billy Bingham was the most recent former Hatter to receive induction into our hall of fame for legends, thanks to Geoff Eade.

Although I’m getting close to my own golden years, I must say that I was not even alive when Billy played for Luton Town, so I’m once again venturing into uncharted area.

I do, however, hope that I can do the Irish icon justice in my succinct summary of his professional career.

Billy Bingham could have moved earlier because the Hatters expressed interest in him while he was at Glentoran. Unfortunately, Sunderland won the race for the winger on this particular occasion. Billy Bingham signed for Luton Town in 1958 for the great sum of £15,000.

But when Sunderland was demoted in 1958, Billy was persuaded to move south in order to advance his career and continue playing in the premier league.

Billy joined Luton Town FC during a pivotal time in their history, just before the FA Cup Final against Nottingham Forest at the conclusion of the campaign.

It was expected that Billy would be important to our FA Cup run because he scored the game-winning goal in the 1-0 semifinal triumph over Norwich City.

In fact, according to the record books, it was Billy who provided the nearly perfect corner for Dave Pacey to score the winning goal for Luton against Nottingham Forest in the championship game. However, Forest went on to win the game 2-1, much to the dismay of the massive Luton crowd who had packed Wembley.

Sadly, despite Billy scoring 16 goals the next season and the Hatters finishing in 17th place in the league, the team was demoted under Syd Owen’s leadership.

Billy’s inevitable exit occurred in October 1960 when the big boys of the top-flight wanted his signature. It had always been difficult to retain Billy on the books. Everton’s £15,000 offer was sufficient to close the sale.

Billy had played 87 league games for the Hatters, scoring 27 goals in those games, and he had played 100 times overall, scoring 33 goals across all competitions.

Billy left the Luton faithful in pieces, but he left them with some fantastic memories thanks to his wing magic and ability to execute excellent crosses.

Billy’s decision paid off when Everton won the League Championship, and the well-liked winger was awarded a medal.

The winger’s talent allowed him to compete on the international stage, where he earned 56 caps, scored 10 goals, and had the good fortune to play in the 1958 World Cup Finals.

Billy switched to football management after hanging up his boots, and his career reached its pinnacle when he was chosen to lead Northern Ireland twice.

His first tenure began in 1967 and lasted until 1971, but it was his second tenure, from 1980 to 1983, that would live in infamy.

Who will ever forget that wonderful night in 1982 when Billy’s Northern Ireland defeated the hosts, Spain? The highlights of the game may be seen below. During that time, Billy led his beloved Northern Ireland to the World Cup finals in 1982 and 1986.

Billy sadly passed away in Southport on June 9, 2022, at the age of 90. He leaves behind a legacy as a great footballer, a successful manager, and a true gentleman.

 

 

Billy Bingham: Quick Facts

William Laurence Bingham is his name.

Birthdate: August 5, 1931

Belfast, Northern Ireland, was the birthplace.

5 feet 7 inches tall

Place: Outside Right

Careers for Youth – St. Donald’s Youth Club

Playing Career: Port Vale, Luton Town, Everton, Glentoran, Sunderland, and

Career abroad: Irish League XI, Northern Ireland

Managerial Career: Paok, Mansfield Town, AEK Athens, Everton, Linfield, Greece, Southport, Northern Ireland, Plymouth Argyle, Al-Nassr

Please feel free to share any ideas or memories you may have about Billy Bingham’s time with the Hatters in the comment section below this article.

Please leave the name of the person you can think of in the comment section below this article if you think they should be considered for consideration in this ongoing series.

I want to thank everyone who has already suggested historical figures; they will all be mentioned eventually.

As indicated by Steve Smith, Herbert Moody will be the next character in the series.