OBITUARIES
Billy BINGHAM (1931-2022)
The1980s were a golden era for Northern Irish football, thanks largely to the management of Bingham. As well as winning two British Home Championships – including the lastever edition of the competition in1984 – Bingham also guided the team to back-to-back World Cup finals appearances for the only time in its history. The1982 tournament in Spain remains a particular high point, with Gerry Armstrong’s famous goal against the hosts sending the team into the second round.
Bingham was already a Northern Irish hero for his playing exploits, having starred at the team’s first World Cup appearance in1958, before winning a then-record 56 caps. His club career included spells at Sunderland, Luton Town, Port Vale and Everton, with whom he won a league title, before a 33-year managerial career.
Haidar ABDUL-RAZZAQ
(1982-2022)
A member of the Iraq squad that famously won the 2007 Asian Cup.
Bernd BRANSCH
(1944-2022)
The sweeper was one of East Germany’s most-capped players, and starred in both the bronze and gold medal-winning Olympic teams of1972 and1976, respectively, as well as at the1974 World Cup.
Noel CAMPBELL
(1949-2022)
After joining Fortuna Cologne in1971 and helping them win promotion two years later, Campbell became the first Irishman to play in the Bundesliga. A Republic of Ireland international of 11 caps, his final international game saw him sent off less than a minute after coming on as a substitute.
Craig FARRELL
(1982-2022)
The former Carlisle United, York City, Exeter City, Rushden & Diamonds and England U16 striker passed away at the age of just 39, having retired in 2015.
Colin GRAINGER
(1933-2022)
Nicknamed the “Singing Winger”, Grainger combined a professional recording career with being an international footballer, going on a nationwide tour in1957 just a year after scoring twice against Brazil on his England debut. His form saw him join Sunderland from Sheffield United, before an ankle injury ended his hopes of playing at the1958 World Cup and hindered his top-flight career. After turning his attention back to music, he shared a bill with The Beatles in1963.
Giuseppe BRIZI
(1942-2022)
Only one player has made more appearances for Fiorentina than Brizi, who was a key man in the club’s second and last back in1968-69.
Davie WILSON
(1937-2022)
In an11-year career at Rangers, the left-winger won four league titles and five Scottish Cups, while also helping the team reach the1961 European Cup Winners’ Cup final. Wilson also scored ten goals in 22 games for Scotland before ending his playing career at Dumbarton, whom he later guided to the Scottish top flight as manager.
Bobby HOPE
(1943-2022)
As well as playing 409 games for West Bromwich Albion between1960 and 1972, the Scottish midfielder helped the side win two major trophies – the 1966 League Cup and1968 FA Cup.