John Bingham funeral arranged at St Josephs Catholic Church

The ex-landlord of The Denbigh died, surrounded by members of his family, at The Christie Hospital, Manchester, on Thursday.

Football played a huge part in the life of a man who was born in Liverpool in 1956 but moved to Winsford with his family, aged six.

The former pupil at Hartford’s St Wilfrids Primary School and St Nicholas Catholic High School earned trials at Arsenal as a 15-year-old.

He played at non-league level for many years at Middlewich Town and Chorley, and was involved with several Sunday League teams including White Lion, Red Lion, Liverpool Supporters and Pockets.

It was while landlord of The Denbigh, following many years working in the transport business, that as player and manager he led the Denbigh to the Mid-Cheshire Sunday League Premiership title.

In the mid-90s John took over as team manager of Winsford United, who were then playing in the Northern Premier League.

During his two seasons in charge John brought local man and ex Bolton centre-half Mark Came back to his boyhood club to form a defensive partnership with crowd favourite Gary Talbot, and persuaded midfielder John Bishop, now an internationally famous comedian, to sign for him.

John’s former skipper Came paid tribute, saying: “John was a very knowledgeable manager. He was exceptional with his tactics and man management.”

John leaves his devoted wife Lorraine, five daughters and nine grandchildren.

The funeral will take place at St Josephs Catholic Church, Winsford, on Tuesday at 11.15am, followed by burial at Swanlow Park Cemetery.

After the funeral the family will welcome back John’s friends at the George and Dragon, Winsford.

It is requested that flowers are limited to family members only but donations can be made to The Christie Hospital, Manchester.