Sunderland Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Gary Rowell Ahead of Derby Clash
Sunderland have paid tribute to club legend Gary Rowell, who passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with leukaemia. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
The Black Cats announced that they will honor Rowell during Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light. Both clubs have sent heartfelt messages to Rowell’s family ahead of the Premier League clash.
Rowell passed away on the 50th anniversary of his Sunderland debut, surrounded by his sons Chris and Peter. In 2020, he was inducted into the SAFC Hall of Fame, an honor he described as “the best night of my life.” Sunderland shared their grief on social media, calling his passing “devastating” for the club and fans alike.
Newcastle United also paid tribute, posting “Rest in peace, Gary. The thoughts of everybody at Newcastle United are with the family, those who knew him, and the wider north-east community who looked up to him.” The messages reflect the respect and admiration Rowell earned across the region.
Former Teammates Remember Rowell
Gary Rowell scored 103 goals in 297 appearances for Sunderland between 1972 and 1984, making him one of only three post-war players to reach a century of goals for the club. His skill, consistency, and sportsmanship made him a fan favorite.
Former Sunderland captain Shaun Elliot recalled Rowell’s impact “I remember jumping on him when he completed his hat-trick against Newcastle. It made him a legend. Gary was just the nicest person ever. We got in the first team together and went away with England Under-21s. He never wanted to leave Sunderland.”
Peter Stronach, another teammate, added “We signed as apprentices for Sunderland at the same time and became good friends. He always had a lovely smile and dazzling eyes. He was a beautiful person.” Their reflections highlight Rowell’s influence both on and off the pitch.
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Sunderland Prepares for Derby
Sunderland will aim to honor Rowell with a strong performance against Newcastle. The Black Cats have started the season well, currently 10th in the Premier League with six wins and five draws from 15 matches.
Manager Regis Le Bris urged fans to create a loud, energizing atmosphere at the Stadium of Light. “We have had good experiences this season… I expect it will be louder against Newcastle. The players use this energy to raise momentum and push through the game,” he said.
Le Bris also stressed the need for focus and ambition “If we think the game will be easier because of our start, that’s a problem. We have to stay grounded and play with energy to manage challenges.”
Newcastle Eyes Crucial Victory
Newcastle arrive in strong form, having lost just one of their last six matches. Currently 12th in the league, a win could see them leapfrog Sunderland in the table. Manager Eddie Howe highlighted the personal and professional significance of the derby “It means everything to me.
I want to do the club, city, and our people proud. I want them to be proud of the team and our players.” Both teams will compete fiercely while honoring Gary Rowell’s legacy, making this Tyne-Wear derby a meaningful and emotional occasion for fans across the North East. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
