Gary Rowell, is a former footballer - most notably with Sunderland A.F.C. - and a current local radio football commentator and newspaper columnist. Born in Seaham, he left school and joined Sunderland as an apprentice in 1972. His career was split between playing as a striker and in midfield for Sunderland. He scored 102 goals for The Rokerites, surpassing the previous record post-war goalscorer, Len Shackleton, who had scored 101 goals. Rowell's record stood until it in turn was beaten by Kevin Phillips in the early 21st century. Gary was a talented player who many Sunderland supporters felt was destined to become 'fully' capped by England. Unfortunately, his career was severely disrupted by a serious knee injury that he sustained during a game against Leyton Orient during March 1979. Following a lengthy recovery, Rowell continued to score goals in the First Division at a healthy strike-rate, but he always looked likely to struggle to maintain full fitness for the whole of any season. 

June 6th, 1957 in Seaham (Age 67)