OTD: GARY BENNETT BORN

Born on this day in 1961 is Sunderland legend Gary Bennett. The Manchester-born defender played over 400 games in red and white, placing him fifth in the club’s all-time appearance list.

Bennett began his career with Manchester City’s youth setup but he didn’t make a single senior appearance before joining Cardiff City in the Third Division. He helped Cardiff win promotion to the Second Division in 1982/83 and was a key player alongside his brother, Dave.

After impressing in Wales, Bennett followed manager Len Ashurst to Wearside in 1984. The defender became only the second black player to play for Sunderland, after striker Roly Gregoire. Benno’s first goal for the lads came on his debut, heading the ball past Peter Shilton in a 3-1 win over Southampton.

Bennett quickly endeared himself to Sunderland fans, with a great ability to play out from the back and go on marauding runs, as well as his famous no-nonsense style of defending. Undoubtedly, he would be sent off in the modern age for a famous bust-up with David Speedie!

In 1994, the defender won Sunderland’s Player of the Year award as the Lads finished 12th in the First Division. Overall, Benno stayed at the club for over a decade and became a club legend, playing in cup finals against both Norwich City and Liverpool, where we of course lost twice. After 11 years at the club, scoring 25 times from defence, Bennett left Sunderland to join Carlisle United in 1995. After a brief stint at Brunton Park, Bennett played an impressive 95 games for Scarborough as a player-coach, before eventually moving into a full-time coaching role at Darlington.

Benno now covers the lads on BBC Newcastle, alongside fellow commentator Nick Barnes. He was awarded an MBE for his work with Show Racism the Red Card in November 2022. Well done Benno, and happy birthday!