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

Sunderland visit Newcastle United this weekend chasing a Tyne-Wear derby double.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, Sunderland’s 1990 heroes went on to varied paths. The semi-final finished 2-0 on aggregate, Eric Gates and Marco Gabbiadini scoring. They lost to Swindon Town at Wembley, but were promoted when Swindon were punished for financial irregularities.

Tony Norman made 227 appearances, retired at Huddersfield, then served as a Durham police officer and goalkeeping coach. John Kay left in 1996 and later worked for Derwentside Council supporting people with drug addictions.

Reuben Agboola, capped by Nigeria on Wearside, later ran bars and is now a car sales ambassador. Paul Bracewell had three spells, managed Fulham and Halifax, returned to coach at Sunderland and most recently worked in Tottenham’s academy.

Gary Bennett fronts Show Racism the Red Card, received an MBE in 2022 and is BBC Radio Newcastle’s summariser. John MacPhail later managed Hartlepool United and has been receiving care for a brain injury after a 2021 fall.

Gary Owers is the National League’s head of player development and a BBC Radio Bristol summariser. Gordon Armstrong, an FA Cup quarter-final hero in 1992, became a scout then an agent.

Eric Gates later co-hosted the Three Legends phone-in and Marco Gabbiadini is a regular on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport. Warren Hawke became Morton chief executive, served as the SPFL’s Scottish Championship director, and now runs a sports consultancy.

Source: Sunderland Echo