Sunderland legend Gary Bennett joins Hebburn Town Women coaching team | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland legend Gary Bennett has joined the coaching staff at Hebburn Town Women.

The former Black Cats defender moved to Wearside in 1984 and spent the next 11 years with Sunderland, making over 360 appearances. During that spell he won the old Division Three title and was a runner-up in the Milk Cup and FA Cup. He left in 1995 and later played for Carlisle United, Scarborough, Darlington and Hebburn.

After retiring, Bennett managed Darlington. He has since become 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.

He now returns to a former club by joining Mark Elliott and Alex Ross on the Hebburn Town Women management team as they prepare for the new Durham FA Women’s Premier League season.

Bennett said the club are developing on and off the pitch, and that a strong foundation will allow players to perform. He added that he is keen to help Hebburn Town push to the next level.

Steve Moore, Hebburn Town’s head of women’s football, said bringing Bennett in to work alongside Elliott and Ross is a major boost. He described Bennett’s career as exemplary and welcomed him back to the Hornets.

Source: Sunderland Echo