Sunderland legend joins Hebburn Town Women coaching staff
A Sunderland legend has agreed to join the coaching staff at Hebburn Town Women.
Sunderland legend Gary Bennett has a new coaching role after he joined the coaching staff at Hebburn Town Women.
The former Black Cats defender moved to Wearside in 1984 and spent the next 11 years in red and white as he racked up over 360 appearances and was part of the Sunderland sides that claimed the old Division Three title and finished as runners-up in the Milk Cup and FA Cup during that time. Bennett’s time with Sunderland came to an end in 1995 and he went on to spend time with Carlisle United, Scarborough, Darlington and Hebburn before bringing an end to his playing career.
Bennett spent time as manager of Darlington after his retirement - but is now best known for his outstanding work with Show Racism the Red Card and working in the media as co-commentator and pundit on BBC Newcastle’s coverage of Sunderland. Bennett was also awarded an MBE in 2022 as recognition for his services to anti-racism in football and society.
However, he will now return to one of his former clubs as the Sunderland legend prepares to working alongside Hebburn Town Women management team Mark Elliott and Alex Ross as they prepare for the new Durham FA Womens Premier League campaign.
Speaking at the announcement of his new role, the former Sunderland stalwart said: "This is a great opportunity to be involved with Hebburn Town Women, and Hebburn Town, who are a club that are developing and improving both on and off the field. There is a solid foundation which enables you to build and give players all of the opportunity to perform. I'm looking forward to helping Hebburn Town push to the next level."
Hebburn Town’s head of women’s football, Steve Moore, added: “The opportunity to get Gary back into a coaching role, working alongside Mark and Alex has been a fantastic outcome. His remarkable career speaks for itself. atching him with out players clearly compliments what we are trying to achieve here at Hebburn Town FC. As a former player with the Hornets, it's a pleasure to welcome you back home."