BENNETT SPEAKS

Gary Bennett wants to see more former players involved throughout the club. Bennett, chairman of the Sunderland AFC Former Players Association, added: “Sunderland have Bally [Kevin Ball] and Jimmy Montgomery with vast experience but there are plenty of other players who are willing to give their right arm to help, whether it be in the academy or helping the new manager settle in and get a feel for the club. “I speak to ex-players all the time, they would love an opportunity, all these players who are willing to play some part, if they ask me I would play a part in it.”