Football friendship links Albert with Northern Ireland legend

Northern Ireland's first football appearance at the European Championships has captured the imagination of the public.

By The Newsroom

Published 28th Jun 2016, 07:36 BST

Updated 28th Jun 2016, 08:38 BST

Albert Hewitt from Portadown showing off a gift presented to the football fan by former Northern Ireland manager Billy Bingham.

One fan from Portadown, Albert Hewitt, has a special link to Northern Ireland’s past achievements.

Billy Bingham represented his country at three World Cup finals, as a player in 1958 before the role of manager during the 1982 and 1986 competitions.

Albert has a friendship with the Northern Ireland football legend dating back almost two decades.

“I have been working in England on and off since the 1970s and Billy now lives around Southport,” said Albert. “He is a lovely man, very generous.

“Knowing I love football, he once gave me a beautiful mug as a gift that is quite a rare design celebrating his career.

“It has his image as a player, plus a list of clubs on both sides.”