Gary Bennett takes coaching role with Hebburn Town Women | OneFootball

Gary Bennett has joined the coaching team at Hebburn Town Women.

According to Sunderland Echo, the former Sunderland defender will work alongside Mark Elliott and Alex Ross in the management team as they prepare for the new Durham FA Women’s Premier League season.

Bennett moved to Wearside in 1984 and spent 11 years in red and white, making over 360 appearances. During that spell he won the old Division Three title and finished runners-up in the Milk Cup and FA Cup.

He left in 1995, then had spells with Carlisle United, Scarborough, Darlington and Hebburn before ending his playing career.

After retiring 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 was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to anti-racism in football and society.

Bennett said the role offers a chance to contribute at a club progressing on and off the pitch, praising strong foundations and his aim to help the team push to the next level. Hebburn Town’s head of women’s football, Steve Moore, welcomed his return, saying Bennett’s experience complements Elliott and Ross and reflects his previous spell as a Hebburn player.

Source: Sunderland Echo