Where are Sunderland’s 1990 St James’ Park heroes now before Newcastle United derby | OneFootball

Sunderland visit St James’ Park this weekend chasing a Tyne-Wear derby double on their Premier League return. A 1990-style blue kit is likely, recalling the 2-0 aggregate play-off sealed by Eric Gates and Marco Gabbiadini. Though beaten by Swindon at Wembley, Denis Smith’s side went up after the Robins were punished for financial irregularities, and Sunderland Echo looks at where those heroes are now.

Tony Norman later worked as a Durham police officer and as a goalkeeping coach. John Kay became a cult figure nicknamed The Tractor and later worked helping people with drug addictions. Reuben Agboola, who moved on to Swansea, is now a car sales ambassador.

Paul Bracewell later returned as a coach and most recently left an elite development post at Tottenham last year. Gary Bennett is a leading anti-racism campaigner, was awarded an MBE in 2022, and now works as a BBC Radio Newcastle summariser. John MacPhail later managed Hartlepool and has required ongoing care since a life-changing fall in 2021.

Gary Owers has worked widely in coaching and development, and now heads player development at the National League. Gordon Armstrong scored the famous late FA Cup header against Chelsea in 1992 and later became a scout and then an agent.

Eric Gates later joined Carlisle and worked on the Three Legends phone-in after scoring in 1990. Marco Gabbiadini is now a BBC Radio Newcastle pundit after business interests including a York hotel. Warren Hawke later became Morton chief executive and now runs a sports consultancy.

Source: Sunderland Echo