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Former striker scored a hat-trick in 1979 derby
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Rowell had been diagnosed with leukaemia
The former Sunderland striker Gary Rowell has died at the age of 68, the Black Cats have announced. He was being treated for leukaemia.
The Seaham-born Rowell, who scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 Division Two win over Newcastle at St James’ Park in February 1979, died on Saturday. His death comes 50 years to the day since he made his Sunderland debut and just a day before the Black Cats host the Magpies in the first Premier League derby between the clubs since March 2016, at which the hosts will mark Rowell’s death.
Written by PA Media
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/13/sunderland-hero-gary-rowell-dies-aged-68-on-eve-of-derby-with-newcastle under the title “Sunderland hero Gary Rowell dies aged 68 on eve of derby with Newcastle”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
