Gary Bennett joins Hebburn Town Women coaching team | OneFootball

Gary Bennett has joined the coaching staff at Hebburn Town Women, working with Mark Elliott and Alex Ross as the team prepare for the new Durham FA Women’s Premier League season.

According to Sunderland Echo, the former Sunderland defender returns to a club he represented late in his playing days.

Bennett moved to Wearside in 1984 and spent 11 years in red and white, making more than 360 appearances. He helped win the old Division Three title and finish runners-up in the Milk Cup and FA Cup.

He left in 1995 and later played for Carlisle United, Scarborough, Darlington and Hebburn before retiring.

After hanging up his boots he managed Darlington, and is now widely known for his work with Show Racism the Red Card and as a co-commentator and pundit on BBC Newcastle’s Sunderland coverage. He received an MBE in 2022 for services to anti-racism in football and society.

Bennett called it a great opportunity to contribute at a developing club, praising strong foundations that allow players to perform. He said he looks forward to helping Hebburn Town push to the next level.

Head of women’s football Steve Moore described bringing Bennett into a coaching role alongside the management team as a fantastic outcome. He said Bennett’s career speaks for itself and that his fit with the squad supports the club’s aims, welcoming him back as a former Hornets player.

Source: Sunderland Echo