Tributes paid to former Carlisle United director Tony Bingley

Mr Bingley, who was a well-known face at Brunton Park for many years, was 82.

He worked in a number of roles behind the scenes at United over nearly 40 years.

He was heavily involved on the business and commercial side of the club, including a spell on the board as commercial director.

Club owners and directors have paid tribute to Mr Bingley.

Chairman Andrew Jenkins told the club website everyone at United was "devastated".

"Tony was first and foremost a friend to everyone," he said.

“He would go out of his way to help and offer advice, even after he had retired.

"People may not know that he gave up two or three mornings a week to pop in and look after things like vehicle servicing and documentation schedules, and to help with bits and pieces in our commercial department until just a few years ago.

Tony Bingley, centre (Image: News & Star)

“He was an infectious character because of his bright and positive attitude, and the way he dealt with people opened doors. The role of commercial director was a perfect fit for him and he was a huge part of driving the club forward in that area.

“Away from the club his passion was motorbikes, and he would travel far and wide to watch and help with some of the biggest races on the circuit. In his younger days he was a racer, and some of the stories he had were fascinating to listen to.

“One particular crash left him very badly injured, but that didn’t dull the enthusiasm he had for the sport in any way. He saw it as part of the risk of being involved.

“We will miss him. He loved the club, he was part of Carlisle United for so many years, and it will be very strange not to hear is voice in the boardroom and to see him cheering the lads on during games.

“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”

Untied's chief executive Nigel Clibbens added his tribute to Yorkshire-born Mr Bingley.

“Tony always brightened your day whenever he was around. He was a pleasure to be with and get to know," he said.

“We spent many hours together talking about bike racing and his exploits. It was fascinating hearing him talk about 100mph laps at the TT in the 1990s.

“The impact of his massive racing accident at Oliver’s Mount affected him physically but it never slowed him down. He continued to volunteer to help within the club even as his mobility reduced in recent years. He will be very sadly missed by us all.”

And Blues boss Paul Simpson also paid tribute to Mr Bingley, describing him as "brilliant".

He added: “It’s hard to put into words how much of a sad loss this is for us at the club and, of course, for his family and friends.

“He had such an enthusiastic approach to everything he did, and that came across in the work he did here at Brunton Park.

“I had many conversations with him about his racing history and, as you might imagine with a sport like that, his stories were fascinating to listen to.

“He was brilliant in the role he played for the club because he was a person who liked to get results. He did that with a smile on his face and with a kind word, and that’s why he tended to get successful outcomes.

Tony Bingley, left, pictured with Jonathan Fuller and Andrew Jenkins (Image: News & Star)

“People wanted to help him not because of who he was, or who he worked for, but because of how he was with them.

“Since coming back to the club in February I’ve mentioned to quite a few people that he’s been a big miss for me. He used to be somebody I could go to through my first spell here, but unfortunately he hasn’t been well enough to come in.

“He’ll be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his loved ones.”

Lottery manager Ewan Wood said: “The first time I met Tony he came into a shop I managed as a very irate customer wanting to return a ‘faulty’ product and demanding a refund. His car sales team at Lloyd motors would never give such bad service, he shouted! I could tell I wasn’t going to win so gave him his cash and he left.

“A couple of years later I had my interview for the lottery manager position in the boardroom at Brunton Park. Imagine my horror on entering the room and spotting the ‘irate customer’ waiting to fire questions at me.

“That’s my chance of a job gone, I thought! Tony did bring up our previous encounter in the interview and told me how well I’d handled the situation. I got the job and from that day we became best of friends.

“Tony was a very supportive colleague, always going out of his way to help anyone around the club, including dressing up as Santa at the Junior Blues Christmas parties. He had a great sense of humour but his jokes were terrible!

“He spent most of his working life in the motor industry and always had a tale to tell about his days at Leyland truck and bus, and how he’d make money when driving coaches on the continent.

“Tony hadn’t enjoyed the best of health recently and hadn’t been to a game for a while, but it was always nice to have a cuppa and catch up in his garage/hideaway.  

“Sadly we’ve lost another gentleman and wonderful friend, and our thoughts are with Irene and all the family.”