Sunderland legend and former Echo columnist Gary Rowell has sadly passed away at the age of 68.

Sunderland have announced the death of club legend Gary Rowell, who sadly passed away on Saturday afternoon at the age of 68 after a long battle with leukaemia.

Rowell occupied a special place in Sunderland’s history – a homegrown talent whose goals and character ensured he would be remembered long after his playing days had ended. Rowell grew up in Seaham after being born in Sunderland on 6 June 1957, and joined the club as an apprentice in 1972 upon leaving school.

He made his professional breakthrough at Roker Park and went on to spend eight years with the first team between 1976 and 1984. While he began his career operating as a striker – often dropping deep – he later became a mainstay of Sunderland’s midfield.

Rowell scored 103 goals in all competitions for Sunderland, a total that carried him beyond Len Shackleton’s post-war club record of 101 goals. That benchmark would not be surpassed until Kevin Phillips broke it in the early part of the 21st century. To many supporters, Rowell’s ability and instinct around goal marked him out as a player capable of reaching the very highest level.

A serious knee injury suffered in March 1979 threatened to derail that trajectory. The setback came during a match against Leyton Orient, despite Rowell having already scored the winning goal. Although he battled back after a long rehabilitation and continued to find the net regularly in the First Division, ongoing fitness problems made it difficult for him to stay available throughout entire seasons.

His Sunderland career came to an end in 1984, when manager Len Ashurst moved him on as part of a wide-ranging rebuild at Roker Park – a period that would ultimately precede the club’s fall into the third tier for the first time. Rowell joined Norwich City, but another knee injury picked up on his first pre-season tour meant he was unable to recapture his earlier form. He later represented Middlesbrough, Brighton & Hove Albion, Carlisle United and Burnley, with the injury continuing to hamper him.

For many on Wearside, Rowell’s name is forever linked with his performance against Newcastle United on 24 February 1979, when he scored a hat-trick in a memorable 4–1 derby victory at St James’ Park. After retiring, Rowell remained closely connected to Sunderland and its supporters. He worked as a radio summariser on Real Radio, covering all Sunderland matches, having previously spent seven years commentating on the club for Metro Radio and Magic 1152. He also became a columnist for the Sunderland Echo.

His status among the fanbase was formally recognised in later years. In 2005, he was voted Sunderland’s all-time cult hero on Football Focus, before being named the club’s Best Player of the 1980s by fanzine A Love Supreme in 2006. Those honours reflected his enduring standing on Wearside and were later followed by his induction into Sunderland’s official Hall of Fame in 2020.

The Sunderland Echo extends its deepest condolences to Gary Rowell’s family and friends at this sad time, and to the many supporters who grew up watching – and celebrating – his exploits in red and white. We all live in a Gary Rowell world.

Sunderland historian Rob Mason pays tribute

Sunderland historian Rob Mason paid tribute to Rowell on the club’s website, writing: “We are truly devastated to announce the death of the legendary Gary Rowell, who has passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with leukaemia.

“Gary passed away on Saturday afternoon – 50 years to the very day he made his Sunderland debut – surrounded by his sons Chris and Peter, who accompanied him when he was inducted into the SAFC Hall of Fame in 2020. A moment and honour richly deserved; Rowell described this as ‘the best night of my life’.

“Alongside Kevin Phillips and Len Shackleton, he is one of only three players to have scored a century of goals for Sunderland since World War Two. Gary achieved this without often playing as an out-and-out forward. He was a midfield player with the knack of arriving late in the box and snaffling up half-chances.

“He was also a brilliant penalty taker, converting 25 of the 26 spot kicks he took for the Lads. Gary’s hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in 1979 – when he set up the other goal for Wayne Entwistle – earned him iconic status.

“To this day, fans still chant, ‘we all live in a Gary Rowell world’ at the Stadium of Light and beyond. Rowell is the last Sunderland player to hit a derby hat-trick. He also scored a hat-trick in a thrilling win over Arsenal at Roker Park.”

Sunderland’s account X also shared the following message: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gary Rowell. A Sunderland icon and legendary goalscorer. Tomorrow, Wearside will come together and pay tribute to him ahead of a fixture he made his own. Rest in peace, Gary.”

Tributes pour in after Gary Rowell’s sad passing

Former Sunderland goalkeeper and teammate of Rowell, Chris Turner, said on social media: “Sad night tonight, a fellow teammate/roommate of mine has sadly passed. Gary Rowell, a Sunderland legend, has passed away. I had some great memories with him in the time we played together. I feel for his family, friends and those who loved him. RIP, my friend.”

Sunderland fanzine, A Love Supreme, wrote: “Can’t believe I’m writing this, but Gary Rowell has passed away aged 68. What a total gentleman and a true Sunderland legend. Let’s win this derby for him.” 1973 FA Cup winner Micky Horswill added: “So sad to hear that my apprentice when I was at Sunderland, Gary Rowell, passed away yesterday.”

Sunderland Echo reporter, James Copley, wrote: “Really sad news to share tonight. RIP to a true Sunderland legend – and the first real hero for so many Mackems. There isn’t a Wearsider who doesn’t know his story. We all live in a Gary Rowell world, always.”

James Hunter, former long-time Sunderland writer for The Chronicle and Sunday Sun, posted: “Still trying to get my head around the news that Gary Rowell has died. I knew he’d been ill for a long time, but it still came as a shock. Such a lovely man and great company - so many happy memories of covering Sunderland when Gary was on radio. Some player, too. A genuine legend.”

Football commentator Guy Mowbray wrote: “Awful news this evening. Particularly poignant ahead of tomorrow’s derby. I was lucky enough to spend many glorious hours in Gary’s terrific company. Hard to take in.”

BBC Look North’s Jeff Brown added: “Such sad news. Pleasure to have watched him, and honoured to have enjoyed his company over the years. An incredibly humble guy.”