Billy Bingham tributes paid following death of legendary Northern Ireland manager

Tributes have been paid to legendary former Northern Ireland manager Billy Bingham following his death at the age of 90.

Bingham played at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden but is best known for managing his country at successive World Cups in 1982 and '86.

He famously led Northern Ireland to the second group stage of the 1982 tournament after beating hosts Spain 1-0 with a goal from Gerry Armstrong in Valencia.

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Bingham went on to describe that win - arguably the most famous in the history of the national team - as "slaying the Spanish bull in its own bull ring".

Billy Hamilton, who set up Armstrong's iconic winning goal against the Spanish in 1982, later hailed Bingham for helping inspire Northern Ireland to the finals 40 years ago.

"Before the 1982 World Cup other teams were going off to exotic climes for their pre-tournament training camps," he said.

"Billy took us to Brighton of all places but it proved a masterstroke because Brighton ended up being in the middle of a heatwave.

"He ran us really hard during the day but afterwards would let us go out and have a few pints together.

"Those bonding exercises were brilliant for team morale. Going to the World Cup was a dream for all of us and Bingy was the inspiration behind it all."

Hailing from Bloomfield, Bingham played for a number of clubs including Glentoran, Sunderland, Luton, Everton and Port Vale.

His managerial career also took in spells at Southport, Plymouth, Linfield, Greece, Everton, PAOK, Mansfield and Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Paying tribute to Bingham, former club Glentoran tweeted: "Everyone at Glentoran is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Billy Bingham.

"The