Born on this day is former Sunderland midfielder Gary Owers. Newcastle-born Owers began his career on Wearside, racking up over 300 appearances for the lads.
He joined Sunderland aged just 13 years old as a schoolboy, making his debut in 1986 as an 18-year-old. Despite earning a reputation for being a hard-working midfielder, Owers actually started that game as a left winger against Brentford. During his time at Sunderland, he played everywhere from the wing, to fullback, and most regularly in midfield.
When Gary broke into the first team, Sunderland were in the Third Division. He helped Denis Smith’s side win the league with ease. A few seasons later, Owers was part of the famous play-off semi-final win over Newcastle United. He describes it as his “biggest and best game”. After drawing the first leg 0-0 at Roker Park, Sunderland were the underdogs at St James’ Park. However, Eric Gates gave us an early lead which was maintained, and then doubled by Marco Gabbiadini after 85 minutes.
Despite losing the play-off final to Swindon Town, Owers and his teammates were still promoted due to financial irregularities at Swindon. In 1990, Sunderland made it to the FA Cup final. It was the first final to include a Second Division team since QPR in 1982, and would be the last until Millwall in 2004.
Owers played at right back that game, with Gordon Armstrong and Paul Bracewell preferred in midfield. Despite a spirited performance, Sunderland were beaten by Liverpool, who were huge favourites going into the game.
In December 1994, Owers joined Bristol City for around £250,000, leaving his boyhood club. After four years in Bristol, he joined Sam Allardyce’s Notts County before going on to sign for Forest Green Rovers, who were managed by former goalkeeper Nigel Spink. In 2003, Owers became player-coach at Bath City, before taking over six months later as a full-time manager.
He then returned to Forest Green Rovers where he managed their first ever professional team! Owers led them to 19tg in the Conference, surviving relegation. However, after a disappointing start to the following season he left the club along with assistant Shaun Taylor.
In 2015, Owers was briefly assistant manager to Malcolm Crosby, who knew the midfielder from his time at Sunderland of course. In 2017, Owers began his most recent managerial job. He took over at Torquay United, who were in the National League. However, the team was relegated under his watch and he stepped down after a year in charge.
