Sunderland’s 1990 St James’ Park heroes, where are they now before Newcastle derby? | OneFootball

Sunderland face Newcastle United this weekend, aiming to mark their Premier League return with a derby double.

The Black Cats are unbeaten in their last five trips to St James’ Park, three wins and two draws. Memories turn to 1990 on Tyneside when Eric Gates and Marco Gabbiadini sealed a 2-0 aggregate win to reach Wembley. According to Sunderland Echo, here is where those heroes are now.

Sunderland lost the final to Swindon Town, yet were promoted after Robins were punished for financial irregularities. Goalkeeper Tony Norman later joined Huddersfield, then became a Durham police officer and goalkeeping coach.

John Kay left in 1996, later worked on a Derwentside Council project supporting people with drug addictions. Reuben Agboola represented Nigeria, left in 1991, ran bars, and is now an ambassador for a car sales firm in Eastleigh.

Paul Bracewell’s three spells totalled 270 games, he later managed, coached at Sunderland, and most recently left Tottenham’s academy last year. Gary Bennett made 443 appearances, has a leading role with Show Racism the Red Card, holds an MBE, and is a BBC Radio Newcastle summariser.

Captain John MacPhail later managed Hartlepool, and since a serious fall in 2021 he continues to receive care for a brain injury. Gary Owers is National League head of player development and a BBC Radio Bristol summariser.

Gordon Armstrong became a scout then an agent, and Eric Gates later worked in radio. Marco Gabbiadini is a BBC Radio Newcastle pundit, and Warren Hawke runs a sports consultancy.

Source: Sunderland Echo