Welcome back for another Old Spice Boys podcast. We’ve gone upmarket this week because we have someone who has just been awarded an MBE! It’s a delight to welcome former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett whose tireless work as an anti-racism campaigner was duly recognised in the New Year’s honours list.

It was a proud moment for Gary and his family and well deserved for someone who has been a model professional on and off the pitch and now having reached the age of 60 shows no signs of slowing down.

We’ve known Benno since 1984 when he joined Sunderland from Cardiff City. Always a dream to interview during his 11 years with the club and is still one of the main men to go to for his views on attempting to stamp out racism in the game – something that sadly has still not in 2022 been eradicated.

He was one of the first players to get involved in Show Racism The Red Card campaign. He has been and still is a mentor to many aspiring young coaches and is heavily involved with local charities in the North East.