Gary Bennett joins Hebburn Town Women coaching team | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland legend Gary Bennett has joined Hebburn Town Women’s coaching staff, working with Mark Elliott and Alex Ross ahead of the new Durham FA Women’s Premier League campaign. The move marks a return to one of his former clubs.

The former Black Cats defender moved to Wearside in 1984 and spent 11 years in red and white, making over 360 appearances. He won the old Division Three title and was a runner-up in the Milk Cup and FA Cup.

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

He is now widely recognised for his work with Show Racism the Red Card and as a BBC Newcastle co-commentator and pundit on Sunderland coverage. He was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to anti-racism in football and society.

Bennett said the role is a great opportunity at a club progressing on and off the pitch. He added that a strong foundation is in place to help players perform and that he looks forward to helping Hebburn Town push to the next level.

Hebburn Town’s head of women’s football, Steve Moore, welcomed the appointment and called it a fantastic outcome. He said Bennett’s track record and work with the squad align with the club’s aims, and described it as a homecoming for a former Hornets player.

Source: Sunderland Echo