Born on this day is former Sunderland and Newcastle United midfielder Paul Bracewell. After retirement, Bracewell returned to Sunderland as assistant manager.
The Heswall-born midfielder had three spells on Wearside, initially signing from Stoke City. However, manager Alan Durban was sacked after Bracewell’s first season, and following manager Len Ashurst got rid of Paul. He was sold to Everton where he enjoyed success next to Peter Reid in midfield. Bracewell earned three England call-ups during his time at Everton but missed out on the 1986 World Cup with a broken leg.
Sunderland re-signed Bracewell in 1989 after his injury struggles on Merseyside. He became a key player under Denis Smith and won promotion to the top flight through the play-offs. In 1992, Bracewell was Sunderland’s captain in an FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool. However, he then left to join rivals Newcastle United on a free transfer. He made 73 appearances in black and white over 3 years before returning to Sunderland.