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Chris Sutton
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Christopher Roy Sutton (born 10 March 1973) is an English former professional football player and manager. He later became a pundit, commentator and presenter of football coverage on television and radio.
Key Information
Sutton played from 1991 to 2007 for Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Celtic, Birmingham City and Aston Villa. Sutton scored over 150 career goals in over 400 league appearances spanning 16 years in the English and Scottish Premier Leagues. Initially a defender, while at Norwich, he successfully moved to playing as a striker. He won the Premier League in 1995 with Blackburn Rovers and was capped once by England. He was also known as one of the foremost exponents of the glancing header, scoring many goals with this technique, which made him particularly effective from set-pieces.
In September 2009, Sutton was appointed manager of Lincoln City, but he resigned for personal reasons twelve months later. In 2012, he came out of retirement briefly and featured for non-league Wroxham.[3]
Early life
[edit]Chris Sutton was born on 10 March 1973 in Nottingham, East Midlands, England, the son of Mike Sutton, formerly a footballer with Norwich City.[4] His younger brother John also became a footballer, and has played for a number of clubs in both England and Scotland.[5] As a child, he moved with his family from East Leake in Nottinghamshire to Horsford in Norfolk.[6]
Playing career
[edit]Norwich City (1991–1994)
[edit]Sutton started his career as a professional footballer at Norwich City, initially as a centre-half before being converted into a striker by manager Dave Stringer. He made his debut on 4 May 1991 in a 1–0 home win over Queens Park Rangers in the First Division.[7]
In Stringer's final season as manager, 1991–92, when Norwich reached the FA Cup semi-finals, Sutton gradually broke into the first team. He made 21 league appearances that season, scoring twice.[7]
Sutton found success in his new position as Norwich spent most of the first season of the new FA Premier League, in 1992–93, as league leaders, before eventually slipping to third place under new manager Mike Walker. Sutton featured in 38 Premier League games that season, scoring eight goals, which made him the club's second-highest scorer behind Mark Robins.[7]
In the autumn of 1993, Sutton was part of the side that eliminated Bayern Munich from the UEFA Cup, while he scored 25 Premier League goals in the 1993/94 season. After manager Walker went to Everton, in January 1994, and succeeded by assistant John Deehan, Norwich slipped out of the top five and finished in the 12th position. At that time, Sutton was being linked with other clubs, including Blackburn Rovers, Arsenal[8] and Manchester United.[9]
Blackburn Rovers (1994–1999)
[edit]Sutton became the most expensive player in English football in July 1994, when he was transferred from Norwich City to Blackburn Rovers for £5 million.[10] In his first season at Ewood Park, he developed a partnership (known as 'SAS') with Alan Shearer and scored 15 Premier League goals, helping Blackburn Rovers to secure their first top flight league title since 1914.[11]
A succession of injuries, combined with a loss of form, saw Sutton making only 13 Premier League appearances during the 1995–96 season and failing to score a single league goal. Shearer's regular strike partner that season became Mike Newell, but, at the end of the season, both Shearer and Newell departed from the club, leaving Sutton and Kevin Gallacher as Blackburn's only major strikers.
Sutton regained his form over the next three seasons, achieving joint highest goalscoring place in the Premier League in 1997–98, by scoring 18 times.[7][12]
Sutton was involved in a controversial moment towards the end of the 1996–97 season in a league game against Arsenal at Highbury. Late in the game, with The Gunners leading by a single goal, the ball was kicked out of play by Arsenal to allow an injured teammate to receive treatment. Under the unwritten sportsmanship rule, Arsenal would expect the ball to be returned to them unhindered. Sutton chased the ball instead of allowing it to be thrown back to Arsenal and won a corner from his efforts, from which Blackburn scored. At the end of the season, Arsenal missed out on a lucrative place in the Champions League to Newcastle United on goal difference. Following the incident, Blackburn's interim manager Tony Parkes described Sutton as "a boy who was sometimes a bit dizzy ... a bit silly",[13] stating "It was against the spirit of the game and he should not have done it".[14]
Sutton refused to apologise for his action.[4]
Although, in 1997/98, Sutton's 18 goals helped Blackburn finish sixth in the League and qualify for the UEFA Cup, he managed just 17 league games and three goals the following season, 1998–99, as they were relegated four years after being crowned champions.
Chelsea (1999–2000)
[edit]Sutton was sold to Chelsea for £10 million after Blackburn's relegation.[15][16] His time at Stamford Bridge proved an unhappy one, as he struggled both to live up to the price tag and to adapt to Chelsea's style of play, scoring just one league goal; in the 5–0 win against Manchester United[17] in 28 appearances, and 3 goals in total, the other 2 coming from one goal against Skonto Riga in a Champions League qualifier,[18][19] and one against Hull City in the FA Cup.[20] He failed to even make the bench for the club's FA Cup Final win against Aston Villa. In July 2000, he was sold to Scottish Premier League side Celtic for £6 million.[21]
Celtic (2000–2006)
[edit]Sutton regained his goal-scoring form at Celtic. He scored the winner on his league debut in a 2–1 win against Dundee United in July 2000,[22] but was then sent off in his second appearance against Motherwell.[23] Sutton endeared himself to Celtic fans four weeks later in his first Old Firm match against Rangers – scoring the first and last goals in a dramatic 6–2 victory for Celtic.[24] Sutton went on to form a prolific partnership with Swede Henrik Larsson.
Sutton's goals helped Celtic win three SPL titles, three Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup, as well as reaching the UEFA Cup final. Many of Sutton's most "memorable goals" for Celtic were scored in European competition: Against Ajax away in 2001,[25] Juventus at Celtic Park the same year,[26] away against Blackburn Rovers, and against VfB Stuttgart during the team's UEFA Cup run to the final in Seville in 2003,[27][28] and the volley from close range against Barcelona at Celtic Park in 2004.[29]
Sutton holds the record for the quickest goal ever in an Old Firm clash, scored at Ibrox in 2002, hitting the net inside of 18 seconds.[30]
Sutton's nature came to the fore again at the end of the 2002–03 season when he accused Dunfermline Athletic of "lying down", in order for Celtic to lose the title.[31] He failed to apologise[32] and was charged with "bringing the game into disrepute." He received for the non-apology statement a one-match ban to add to the four-match suspension he was serving for abusing match officials on the same day.[33]
Sutton's best season at Celtic was arguably the 2003–04 season, when he scored 19 SPL goals.[34] and was voted SPFA Player of the Year.[35] As the 2003–04 season drew to a conclusion, he struck the injury-time winner against Rangers at Celtic Park, giving his side a clean sweep of victories against their rivals that season (four league wins and one Scottish Cup win).[36]
In Sutton's five and a half years at Celtic, Sutton showed versatility on many occasions. Although primarily a striker, he was often deployed in central midfield to allow Welsh striker John Hartson to play up front alongside Larsson. On occasion, Sutton was fielded in his original position of centre-half, notably against Rangers in a league game on 4 October 2003, which Celtic won 1–0.[37]
As Gordon Strachan took up the reins of managing Celtic in 2005–06, his appearances for Celtic became more sporadic. Sutton departed from Celtic on a free transfer in January 2006.
Birmingham City (2006)
[edit]Sutton joined Premier League club Birmingham City in January 2006,[38] but injuries restricted him to just eleven appearances and one goal, scored in the derby defeat to Aston Villa in mid-April.[39][40] One of a number of players on high wages subjected to criticism by club owner David Sullivan, Sutton was released at the end of the season following Birmingham's relegation to the Championship.[41][42]
Aston Villa (2006–2007)
[edit]In October 2006, Sutton signed until the end of the 2006–07 season with Birmingham City's arch rivals Aston Villa, managed by former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill.[43] He scored his first goal for the club with the winner against Everton in November 2006.[44]
However, in a game against Manchester United in December 2006, he suffered blurred vision and, despite visiting several specialists, did not recover. O'Neill said, "Chris has got a genuine concern. No-one can give him any guarantees about what might be the consequences if he got cracked on the head again. Whatever eyesight Chris has now, he would obviously want to keep, so he must bear that in mind when deciding his whole future and career."[45] On 5 July 2007, after an eye injury, Sutton retired from football.[46]
Wroxham (2012)
[edit]Six years after the reckoning in the Man United game, in October 2012, and his 2007 retirement, Sutton made a surprise appearance in the Isthmian League Division One North squad of Wroxham, coming on in the 63rd minute of the Yachtsmen's home game in Trafford Park against Tilbury, as a substitute. His goalkeeper son Oliver had already substituted the Wroxham goalkeeper, when the latter got injured in the first half.[3][47] The home side lost the game 2-3.
International career
[edit]Sutton's form for Blackburn won him an England cap on 15 November 1997, when he came on in the 79th minute against Cameroon, although he was left out of the World Cup squad after a fall-out with national manager Glenn Hoddle. Having been relegated to the England B team Sutton refused to play, and Hoddle never selected Sutton for an England squad again.[48]
Management career
[edit]Lincoln City
[edit]Sutton was interviewed in January 2009 by Inverness Caledonian Thistle for the post of manager, but was unsuccessful.[49] On 28 September 2009, Sutton was appointed manager of League Two side Lincoln City, succeeding Peter Jackson who was dismissed earlier in the month. Despite having no managerial experience, Sutton was preferred to more than 70 other applicants. Caretaker manager Simon Clark would take charge of the following day's game, with Sutton and assistant Ian Pearce to take over the day after.[50][51]
Sutton's first game as manager came at Sincil Bank against Aldershot Town on 3 October 2009.[52] Lincoln were victorious through a second half Sergio Torres goal to give Sutton a winning start in management. Sutton took Lincoln to the FA Cup third round for the first time since 1999, but lost 4–0 to Premier League outfit Bolton Wanderers. Football League survival was confirmed on 24 April 2010 when Sutton guided the Imps to a 1–0 victory over promotion-chasing Bury at Sincil Bank, with two games remaining.[53] Sutton left his post as Lincoln manager on 29 September due to family reasons.[54]
Media career
[edit]Sutton acted as a main co-commentator, including on all of Celtic FC's UEFA Champions League games, alongside either Rob MacLean or Rory Hamilton for TNT Sports, leaving in 2023 to join Sky Sports, again working as pundit and co-commentator for the channels Scottish football coverage. He also works as a pundit and co-commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport. He also presents 606 for BBC Radio 5 Live, currently alongside Robbie Savage. In January 2015, Sutton attracted criticism for saying that Celtic's Scottish League Cup semi-final against Rangers would be "so one-sided" that Celtic "could win it blindfolded".[55]
Personal life
[edit]Sutton is married with six children.[56]
After retiring from football, Sutton remained an athlete, playing cricket for Norwich Cricket Club in the EAPL.[57]
In February 2022, Sutton and Micah Richards spoke about mental health issues in their playing days.[58]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Norwich City | 1990–91[59] | First Division | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1991–92[59] | First Division | 21 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 29 | 5 | ||
| 1992–93[59] | Premier League | 38 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 43 | 10 | |||
| 1993–94[59] | Premier League | 41 | 25 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 6[c] | 0 | — | 53 | 28 | ||
| Total | 102 | 35 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | — | 127 | 43 | |||
| Blackburn Rovers | 1994–95[59] | Premier League | 40 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2[c] | 1 | — | 48 | 21 | |
| 1995–96[59] | Premier League | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6[d] | 0 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 1 | |
| 1996–97[60] | Premier League | 25 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 29 | 12 | ||
| 1997–98[61] | Premier League | 35 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 41 | 21 | ||
| 1998–99[62] | Premier League | 17 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1[c] | 0 | — | 20 | 4 | ||
| Total | 130 | 47 | 9 | 4 | 12 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 161 | 59 | ||
| Chelsea | 1999–2000[63] | Premier League | 28 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7[d] | 1 | — | 39 | 3 | |
| Celtic | 2000–01[64] | Scottish Premier League | 24 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 4[c] | 1 | — | 35 | 14 | |
| 2001–02[65] | Scottish Premier League | 18 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8[e] | 3 | — | 30 | 7 | ||
| 2002–03[66] | Scottish Premier League | 28 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 12[f] | 4 | — | 43 | 19 | ||
| 2003–04[67] | Scottish Premier League | 25 | 19 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 14[g] | 7 | — | 44 | 28 | ||
| 2004–05[68] | Scottish Premier League | 27 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | — | 37 | 16 | ||
| 2005–06[39] | Scottish Premier League | 8 | 2 | — | 1 | 0 | 1[d] | 0 | — | 10 | 2 | |||
| Total | 130 | 63 | 16 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 44 | 16 | — | 199 | 86 | |||
| Birmingham City | 2005–06[39] | Premier League | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 11 | 1 | |||
| Aston Villa | 2006–07[69] | Premier League | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 9 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 408 | 148 | 40 | 15 | 31 | 12 | 66 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 546 | 193 | ||
- ^ Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup
- ^ Includes Football League Cup, Scottish League Cup
- ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in UEFA Cup
- ^ a b c Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Seven appearances three goals in Champions League, one appearance in UEFA Cup
- ^ Two appearances one goal in Champions League, ten appearances three goals in UEFA Cup
- ^ Ten appearances six goals in Champions League, four appearances one goal in UEFA Cup
Managerial
[edit]| Team | From | To | Record | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | W | D | L | Win % | |||||
| Lincoln City[70] | 30 September 2009[71] | 29 September 2010 | 50 | 14 | 13 | 23 | 28.00 | ||
| Total | 50 | 14 | 13 | 23 | 28.00 | ||||
Honours
[edit]Blackburn Rovers
Celtic
- Scottish Premier League: 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2005–06[73]
- Scottish Cup: 2000–01, 2003–04, 2004–05;[73] runner-up: 2001–02
- Scottish League Cup: 2000–01;[73] runner-up: 2002–03
- UEFA Cup runner-up: 2002–03[73]
England U21
- Toulon Tournament: 1993[74]
Individual
- Premier League Golden Boot: 1997–98[72]
- Premier League Player of the Month: November 1994, February 1998[72]
- Norwich City Player of the Season: 1993–94[75]
- PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year: 2003–04[35]
- PFA Team of the Year: 1994–95 Premier League[76]
- Scottish Premier League Player of the Month: November 2003,[77] January 2005[77]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Chris Sutton". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- ^ "Player profile: Chris Sutton". Premier League. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ a b "Wroxham 2, Tilbury 3: Former Norwich City striker Chris Sutton back in action with Yachtsmen". Eastern Daily Press. 8 October 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
- ^ a b "Sutton – the facts". BBC Sport. 9 July 2000. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
- ^ Gordon, Phil (8 April 2007). "Rangers wary of the Sutton curse". The Independent on Sunday. London. Retrieved 12 August 2021 – via Gale OneFile: News.
- ^ Sutton, Chris; Guidi, Mark (2011). Paradise And Beyond: My Autobiography. Edinburgh: Black & White. p. 21. ISBN 978-1-84502-401-7.
- ^ a b c d "Chris Sutton - Norwich City FC - Football-Heroes.net". Sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 13 January 2010.
- ^ Winter, Henry (14 July 1994). "Football: Sutton will choose his destination today". The Independent. London.
- ^ "New Straits Times – Google News Archive Search".
- ^ "Eye injury forces Sutton to quit". BBC Sport. 5 July 2007. Retrieved 5 July 2007.
- ^ "English football's dying breed of strike partnerships". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
- ^ "Premiership Golden Boot Awards". Golden Boot. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
- ^ "Gunners urged to call truce with Sutton". Irish Examiner. 13 December 1997. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011.
- ^ Steggles, Jack (20 April 1997). "S-Platt goes the title!" (reprint hosted at The Free Library). Sunday Mirror. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- ^ "Chelsea seal £10m Sutton deal". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 5 July 1999. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ Nixon, Alan (6 July 1999). "Sutton joins Chelsea for pounds 10m". The Independent. London: Independent Print Limited. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ "Chelsea maul Man Utd". BBC. 3 October 1999. Retrieved 5 November 2009.
- ^ "Chelsea relief after late goal feast". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 12 August 1999. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ Tongue, Steve (11 August 1999). "Chelsea 3 Skonto Riga 0 – Sutton seals Chelsea flourish". The Independent. London. Retrieved 5 November 2009.
- ^ "Poyet sparks Chelsea romp". BBC. 11 December 1999. Retrieved 5 November 2009.
- ^ "O'Neill secures Sutton". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 11 July 2000. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ "Celtic new boys off to winning start". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 30 July 2000. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ "Nine-man Celtic hold on". BBC. 5 August 2000. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
- ^ "Celtic's six of the best". BBC Sport. 27 August 2000. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
- ^ Walker, Michael (8 August 2001). "Fighting fans mar Celtic success". The Guardian. London.
- ^ "Celtic bow out in style". BBC News. 31 October 2001.
- ^ "Celtic win Battle of Britain". BBC News. 14 November 2002.
- ^ "Celtic kill off Stuttgart". BBC News. 27 February 2003.
- ^ "Celtic 1–3 Barcelona". BBC News. 14 September 2004.
- ^ Forsyth, Roddy (9 December 2002). "Celtic lose way after Sutton's fastest strike". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Death threat rekindles row". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 4 July 2003. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ "Chris Sutton: Jimmy Calderwood will NEVER get an apology from me.. only he will know why his Pars team put in such a weak display to hand Rangers the title". Daily Record. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
- ^ "Sutton gets further ban". BBC Sport. 28 July 2003. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
- ^ "Chris Sutton - Celtic FC - Football-Heroes.net". Sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 13 January 2010.
- ^ a b "Season review 2003/04". Scottish Premier League. Archived from the original on 12 June 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
- ^ "Celtic 1–0 Rangers". BBC Sport. 8 May 2004.
- ^ "Celtic take Old Firm spoils". BBC Sport. 4 October 2003.
- ^ "Birmingham seal Sutton free deal". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 5 January 2006. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Chris Sutton in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Aston Villa 3–1 Birmingham". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 16 April 2006. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ "Football Updates: Birmingham preparing for clearout". CNN.com. 2 May 2006. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ "Birmingham release seven players". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2 May 2006. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ "Striker Sutton joins Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 3 October 2006. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
- ^ McNulty, Phil (11 November 2006). "Everton 0–1 Aston Villa". BBC. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
- ^ "Sutton delays decision on future". BBC Sport. 21 May 2007. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
- ^ Adams, Tom (5 July 2007). "Aston Villa striker Chris Sutton has been forced to retire due to an eye injury". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
- ^ "Dockers no match for the Suttons". NonLeagueDaily.com. 7 October 2012. Archived from the original on 30 January 2013. Retrieved 7 October 2012.
- ^ Lipton, Martin; Curtis, John (6 February 1998). "Sutton snubs Hoddle by refusing his England B call". The Independent. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
- ^ "Butcher named as Inverness boss". BBC Sport. 27 January 2009. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
- ^ "Lincoln appoint Sutton as manager". BBC Sport. 28 September 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
- ^ "Chris Sutton Appointed New Manager". Lincoln City FC. 28 September 2009. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
- ^ "Lincoln City 1–0 Aldershot". BBC News. 3 November 2009. Retrieved 13 January 2010.
- ^ "Lincoln City 1–0 Bury". BBC News. 24 April 2010.
- ^ "Manager Chris Sutton leaves Lincoln City". BBC Sport. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ "Rangers: Chris Sutton defended 'Celtic will win blindfold' remark". BBC Sport. 31 January 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ^ Fletcher, Paul (14 February 2007). "Sutton to play again, says agent". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
- ^ "Sutton regrets no Norwich return". BBC Sport. 22 May 2008. Retrieved 4 February 2009.
- ^ "Richards & Sutton open up on mental health". BBC Sport.
- ^ a b c d e f "Player search: Sutton, CR (Chris)". English National Football Archive. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 1996/1997". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 1997/1998". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 1998/1999". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Games played by Chris Sutton in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Managers: Chris Sutton". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Lincoln appoint Sutton as manager". BBC Sport. 28 September 2009. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ a b c "Chris Sutton: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 27 September 2018.
- ^ a b c d "C. Sutton". Soccerway. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
- ^ "YOU'VE BEEN". Daily Record. 14 June 1993. Retrieved 28 May 2022 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Norwich City FC Player of the Year". My Football Facts (which owns "myfootballfacts.com". Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Lynch. The Official P.F.A. Footballers Heroes. p. 150.
- ^ a b "Scottish Premier League Manager, Player & Young Player of the Month Awards". My Football Facts (which owns myfootballfacts.com). 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
External links
[edit]- Chris Sutton at Soccerbase
- Chris Sutton at IMDb
- Profile at premierleague.com
- Photos and stats at sporting-heroes.net
- Career information at ex-canaries.co.uk
- Sutton's playing career in pictures at BBC Sport
- Chris Sutton at Englandstats.com
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Chris Sutton
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Upbringing and family
Chris Sutton was born on 10 March 1973 in Nottingham, England, to Mike Sutton, a former professional footballer who had played for Norwich City, and his wife.[8][9] The family relocated to Norfolk shortly after his birth, where Sutton grew up in the village of Horsford amid a strong footballing influence from his father, who continued playing non-league football for Great Yarmouth Town while working as a PE teacher.[10][11] This environment instilled an early passion for the sport, as young Chris often watched his father compete and was exposed to the local football scene in East Anglia.[12] Sutton attended Hellesdon High School in Norwich, where his father taught physical education, further embedding discipline and athletic pursuits into his routine.[13] Although football became his primary focus, he showed initial interest in other sports, notably cricket, which he pursued with greater enthusiasm during his early years before committing more fully to soccer.[10] Mike Sutton's role as a youth coach at Norwich City also shaped his son's development, emphasizing hard work and technical skills from a young age.[14] This family-oriented foundation in Norfolk's football community transitioned Sutton into structured youth training programs by his late childhood.[15]Youth career
Sutton joined Norwich City's youth setup after an initial rejection at age 12, when he trialed for six to ten weeks at the club's Centre of Excellence but was not retained.[12] Later, in 1989 at age 16, he impressed scouts by scoring hat-tricks in county cup semi-final and final matches for Hellesdon High School, leading to a second opportunity where he netted 10 goals in a single game against a touring team during trials at Trowse.[12] This performance secured him a two-year Youth Training Scheme (YTS) contract with Norwich, marking his formal entry into organized football development.[15] Under the guidance of Centre of Excellence director John Waters, Sutton's early training emphasized physical conditioning and technical skills, building on the rigorous regimens introduced by his father, Mike Sutton, a former professional footballer who incorporated circuits, cross-country runs, track work, and beach sessions from age 15 to enhance his son's fitness and ball control.[12] He made his youth team debut for Norwich in April 1989 against Millwall, just after joining the YTS program, and continued to develop in reserve and youth matches, showcasing his versatility initially as a defender before transitioning to a forward role.[15] In 1991, upon completing his YTS, Sutton signed his first professional contract with Norwich City at age 18, allowing him to integrate into the reserve team while preparing for first-team opportunities.[15] His early youth performances, including prolific scoring in trial and school fixtures, highlighted his potential as a goal threat, though detailed records from youth leagues remain limited.[12]Club career
Norwich City (1991–1994)
Sutton established himself as a first-team regular at Norwich City during the 1991–92 season in the First Division, making 21 league appearances and scoring 2 goals as the team finished sixth.[16] Transitioning from a defender in the youth ranks to a forward under manager Mike Walker, he began to showcase his physical presence and aerial ability, laying the foundation for his emergence as a key attacking option.[17] Over his full tenure from 1991 to 1994, Sutton contributed 127 appearances and 43 goals across all competitions, including cups, marking a prolific period that highlighted his development into a reliable goal scorer.[18] In the inaugural 1992–93 Premier League season, Sutton played a pivotal role in Norwich's surprising third-place finish, which secured qualification for the UEFA Cup—the club's first European campaign in over a decade.[19] He featured in all 38 league matches, netting 8 goals, often operating as a target man who held up play and linked with midfielders.[16] His partnership with midfielder Jeremy Goss proved particularly effective, exemplified by their contributions in the UEFA Cup run, where Sutton's headed assists set up crucial goals, including Goss's volley in the famous 2–1 victory over Bayern Munich.[20] This attacking synergy, combining Sutton's hold-up play with Goss's precise passing, was central to Norwich's high-pressing, counter-attacking style that defied pre-season relegation expectations.[21] Sutton's form peaked in the 1993–94 Premier League season, where he scored 25 league goals in 41 appearances, earning the club's highest single-season tally in the top flight at the time.[17] Despite Norwich's mid-table finish, his goal-scoring prowess underscored his role as the focal point of the attack, drawing defenders and creating space for teammates like Ruel Fox.[16] In July 1994, his performances prompted a British transfer record £5 million move to Blackburn Rovers, a fee that also stood as Norwich's highest-ever sale.[22]Blackburn Rovers (1994–1999)
Chris Sutton joined Blackburn Rovers from Norwich City in July 1994 for a then-British record transfer fee of £5 million, marking a significant investment in the club's ambition to challenge for the Premier League title.[23] Under manager Kenny Dalglish, Sutton quickly formed a formidable striking partnership with Alan Shearer, dubbed the "SAS," which became central to Blackburn's attacking strategy and tactical evolution toward a more fluid, goal-oriented system emphasizing direct play and clinical finishing.[24] In the 1994–95 season, the duo combined for 49 Premier League goals—Shearer with 34 and Sutton with 15—propelling Blackburn to their first top-flight title in 81 years, clinched on the final day despite a 2–1 defeat at Liverpool, where Shearer scored the consolation goal.[24] Sutton's contributions extended beyond the league; he scored in key matches and helped the team reach the 1995 FA Cup final, though they lost 1–0 to Everton at Wembley, with Sutton featuring prominently in the lineup but unable to find the net.[23] His standout performances earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year for the 1994–95 Premier League season, recognizing his role in one of the competition's most iconic campaigns.[25] Over his five years at Ewood Park, Sutton made 130 Premier League appearances and scored 47 goals, contributing to a total of approximately 161 outings across all competitions during a period that included European qualification in 1995–96 and a sixth-place finish in 1997–98.[26] However, by the 1998–99 season, injuries and a dip in form limited him to 3 league goals in 17 appearances, coinciding with managerial instability following Dalglish's departure and the club's eventual relegation from the Premier League.[27] In July 1999, Sutton departed for Chelsea in a £10 million transfer, ending his time at Blackburn on a bittersweet note after a tenure defined by title glory and subsequent decline.[27]Chelsea (1999–2000)
Following Blackburn Rovers' relegation from the Premier League, Chris Sutton joined Chelsea on a permanent transfer for a club-record £10 million in July 1999, signing a six-year contract under manager Gianluca Vialli.[28][27] This move came after a strong partnership with Alan Shearer at Blackburn, where Sutton had contributed significantly to their 1994–95 title win. Sutton's stint at Chelsea proved challenging, limited by a persistent foot injury that hampered his consistency and availability throughout the 1999–2000 season.[29] He made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals—one in the Premier League against Manchester United, one in the UEFA Champions League against Skonto Riga, and one in the FA Cup against Gillingham.[30] His output was further restricted by intense competition for places up front from established strikers Nicolas Anelka and Tore André Flo, who combined for 27 Premier League goals that season.[31] Tactical expectations under Vialli, who favored a fluid attacking system emphasizing pace and creativity, did not align well with Sutton's physical, target-man style, leading to frustration on both sides; Sutton later reflected that he felt he had let down the Italian manager who had advocated for his signing.[32][33] By the summer of 2000, after an initial agreement for a £6 million move to Middlesbrough fell through, Sutton departed Chelsea for Celtic in a £6 million transfer, marking the end of a disappointing year at Stamford Bridge.[34][35]Celtic (2000–2006)
Sutton joined Celtic from Chelsea in July 2000 for a then club-record fee of £6 million, seeking to revive his career after a frustrating spell at Stamford Bridge marked by injuries and limited playing time.[36] Under manager Martin O'Neill, he quickly adapted to Scottish football, forming a potent striking partnership with Henrik Larsson that became central to Celtic's attacking play. In his debut season of 2000–01, Sutton made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals, including contributions in the league, cups, and UEFA Cup qualifiers.[37] His efforts helped Celtic secure a domestic treble, winning the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup—the club's first such achievement since 1969.[38] Sutton's partnership with Larsson proved highly effective, with the duo combining for numerous goals during Celtic's dominant early 2000s era; Larsson's clinical finishing complemented Sutton's physical presence and aerial ability. After Larsson's departure in 2004, Sutton linked up with John Hartson, maintaining Celtic's forward threat as they continued to challenge domestically and in Europe. The highlight of Sutton's European campaign came in the 2002–03 UEFA Cup, where Celtic reached the final after defeating teams including Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool, only to lose 3–2 in extra time to Porto in Seville.[39] Sutton scored 15 league goals that season.[40] Over his six years at Celtic, Sutton contributed to four league titles in 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, and 2005–06, along with three Scottish Cups. He earned individual recognition, scoring 19 league goals and winning the SPFA Players' Player of the Year award in 2003–04. Sutton occasionally captained the side during injury absences to regular skipper Paul Lambert and later under Gordon Strachan, providing leadership in key matches. In total, he made 197 appearances for Celtic, scoring 84 goals.[41] Following the 2005–06 title win and the 2003–04 domestic double, Sutton departed the club in January 2006, ending a highly successful tenure that solidified his status as a Celtic legend.[42]Later clubs (2006–2007, 2012)
Following his departure from Celtic in January 2006, Sutton joined Birmingham City on a free transfer, seeking to revive his Premier League career amid ongoing injury concerns.[43] He featured in 11 matches across all competitions during the latter part of the 2005–06 season, scoring once in a 1–0 league win over Sunderland in April, though the team ultimately suffered relegation to the Championship after finishing 19th. Injuries limited his impact, but his experience provided depth to a squad battling to stay in the top flight.[44] In July 2006, Sutton moved to Aston Villa on another free transfer, reuniting with manager Martin O'Neill in a bid for regular playing time.[45] He made eight Premier League appearances in the first half of the 2006–07 season, contributing one goal and two assists, including a notable strike in a 2–0 win over Watford in October.[1] However, an eye injury sustained during a December 2006 match against Manchester United caused blurred vision and sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign, ultimately forcing his retirement at age 37 in July 2007 after medical advice deemed the condition irreversible.[46] Sutton later reflected that persistent physical issues, including earlier abductor problems, had made him contemplate quitting even before the eye trouble, marking the end of a career that saw him score over 200 professional goals.[47] Six years after hanging up his boots, Sutton made a brief non-league comeback in October 2012 at age 42, appearing as a substitute for Wroxham—his hometown club—in a Ryman League Division One North match against Tilbury.[15] Entering after 60 minutes with Wroxham trailing 1–0, he nearly assisted an equalizer when his involvement led to a shot hitting the crossbar, but the game ended in a 3–2 defeat; he shared the bench initially with his son Oliver, who also featured as goalkeeper due to an injury.[48] This one-off outing served as a nostalgic gesture tied to his early football roots near Norwich, allowing Sutton to lace up once more without pursuing further play.[49] Post-retirement, Sutton has emphasized maintaining physical fitness through regular training to support his transition into media and coaching roles, crediting it with easing the adjustment from professional demands.[47]International career
Senior international career
Chris Sutton earned his solitary senior cap for England in a friendly match against Cameroon on 15 November 1997, substituting into a 2–0 victory at Wembley Stadium in the 79th minute without scoring.[3] This appearance came during a period of strong form at Blackburn Rovers, where his goal-scoring prowess had positioned him as a contender for the national team.[50] Under manager Glenn Hoddle, Sutton received frequent call-ups to England squads between 1997 and 1998, but intense competition for forward places limited his opportunities. Rivals such as Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, Ian Wright, and Teddy Sheringham dominated selections, often leaving Sutton on the bench or excluded despite his domestic performances.[51] In February 1998, following a dip in form, Hoddle demoted him to the England B team for a match against Chile, prompting Sutton to publicly refuse the invitation, believing it undermined his senior ambitions. This decision led to a confrontation with Hoddle, who reportedly told Sutton he would never play for the senior team again—a promise that held true.[52] Sutton's international prospects briefly revived under Kevin Keegan in 1999, with inclusions in squads for Euro 2000 qualifiers, but recurring injuries, including a groin problem, prevented further appearances.[53] He later voiced public frustration with the England setup, criticizing Hoddle's handling of his case and lamenting the rivalry among strikers that sidelined him during a peak career phase.[50] Over his senior career, Sutton accumulated just one cap and no goals, expressing deep regret over missing major tournaments like the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, which he attributed to a combination of managerial decisions, injuries, and his own impetuous choices.[54]Youth international career
Sutton earned 13 caps for the England under-21 team between 1992 and 1994, scoring one goal during his youth international career.[55] His debut came in a 1-0 friendly victory over Spain on 8 September 1992 at Estadio El Plantío in Burgos, where England secured the win through a goal from Darren Anderton.[56] Sutton featured prominently in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, including matches against Norway, Turkey, the Netherlands, Poland, and San Marino, helping England advance in the competition.[56] A highlight of his under-21 tenure was participation in the 1993 Tournoi Espoirs de Toulon, an invitational youth tournament in France, where Sutton played in all five matches as England claimed the title with victories over Portugal, the Czech Republic, Scotland, and France, alongside a draw against Brazil.[57] His only goal arrived on 17 November 1993 in a 4-0 qualifying win against San Marino at Stadio Olimpico, contributing to a dominant performance that underscored his growing threat as a forward.[56] These youth international appearances, beginning shortly after his professional breakthrough at Norwich City, showcased Sutton's physical presence and goal-scoring instincts, building anticipation for a senior England call-up in the mid-1990s while enhancing his profile among scouts and coaches.[58]Post-playing career
Management career
Following his retirement from playing in 2007, Chris Sutton entered football management when he was appointed as Lincoln City manager on 28 September 2009, replacing the sacked Peter Jackson amid the club's struggles in League Two. The 36-year-old former Premier League striker was a surprise choice for the role, his first in coaching, and he took over a side languishing near the foot of the table with just two wins from their opening 10 league games. Sutton was assisted by his former Blackburn Rovers teammate Ian Pearce, and the pair aimed to stabilize the Imps' defense while injecting fresh energy into the squad through targeted signings and tactical adjustments.[59][60][61] Over his one-year tenure, Sutton oversaw 50 competitive matches, recording 14 wins, 12 draws, and 23 defeats, which equated to an average of 1.08 points per game. In his debut season (2009–10), he successfully steered Lincoln to safety, securing 20th place and avoiding relegation to the National League, bolstered by the impact of forward Davide Somma, who scored 9 goals after joining on loan.[8][62][63] Sutton emphasized defensive organization to shore up a leaky backline that had conceded heavily earlier in the campaign, while also promoting youth integration by giving opportunities to academy prospects. However, the 2010–11 season began poorly, with Lincoln winless in their first four league outings, exacerbating financial and operational pressures at the club.[61] Sutton resigned on 29 September 2010, exactly one year after his appointment, citing personal reasons, though he later revealed it stemmed from a growing loss of trust in the club's board and administrative issues. His departure came after a 0–0 draw with Burton Albion, leaving Lincoln 23rd in League Two; successor Steve Tilson could not halt the slide, and the club was relegated that season. Reflecting on the experience in subsequent interviews, Sutton described lower-league management as a "real struggle," highlighting the intense demands of limited resources, player recruitment challenges, and the pressure to deliver immediate results without the safety net of higher-division budgets.[64][65][61] Sutton has not returned to management since leaving Lincoln, instead focusing on his burgeoning media career as a pundit and commentator.[61]Media career
Following his retirement from professional football in 2007, Chris Sutton transitioned into broadcasting as a pundit for BBC Sport, becoming a regular contributor to programmes such as Match of the Day and Sports Report.[66] His analysis often drew on his playing experience across the Premier League and Scottish Premiership, providing forthright opinions on tactics and player performances.[67] Sutton expanded his radio presence in 2010 by joining BBC Radio 5 Live's 606 phone-in show, where he co-hosts discussions on matchday topics alongside presenters like Alistair Bruce-Ball and Robbie Savage.[68] He has also contributed to BBC's Fantasy 606 podcast, offering fantasy football advice and entertainment during the Premier League season.[69] In 2023, Sutton co-launched the It's All Kicking Off podcast with Mail Sport editor Ian Ladyman, delivering weekly insights into Premier League debates, including managerial pressures and transfer news.[70] In 2023, Sutton left TNT Sports—formerly BT Sport—after the rebranding and the axing of their Score show, where he had provided punditry on Scottish football.[71] He subsequently joined Sky Sports for the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season, focusing on co-commentary and analysis, often partnering with Kris Boyd and Eilidh Barbour.[72] This role highlighted his expertise in Scottish football, stemming from his successful tenure at Celtic.[73] Sutton's media appearances have included notable on-air debates, such as a heated 2023 exchange with Kris Boyd on Sky Sports regarding Rangers manager Michael Beale's future following a poor start to the season.[74] He has been vocal about VAR controversies, criticizing its implementation in both English and Scottish leagues, including a 2023 incident where he described a Tottenham-Brighton decision as leaving the latter "robbed."[75] By 2025, Sutton maintained ongoing commitments with both BBC Sport—appearing on Match of the Day and prediction segments—and Sky Sports, covering Scottish matches amid continued discussions on officiating and league dynamics.[67][72]Personal life
Family and relationships
Chris Sutton married his wife, Samantha, on 31 January 1995.[76] The couple has six children together.[77] Among their children is their son Ollie, who has followed a football path as a goalkeeper for Wroxham FC in the Isthmian League.[78] Sutton has spoken about the challenges his family faced early on, including medical emergencies with his newborns that required intensive care in Glasgow hospitals during his time at Celtic.[79] Following Sutton's departure from Celtic in 2006, the family relocated from their home in Thorntonhall, Scotland, back to England as he joined Aston Villa.[80] Sutton has noted that his family greatly enjoyed their years in Glasgow and occasionally misses the city, but the move aligned with his career shift to the Premier League.[81] Throughout his career transitions, including his retirement in 2007 due to an eye injury, Sutton consulted his family for support and guidance.[82]Health and advocacy
Throughout his football career, Chris Sutton endured several injuries that impacted his performance and longevity. During his time at Chelsea in 1999–2000, he was frequently sidelined by injuries, which compounded his challenges on the pitch.[83] Ultimately, Sutton retired from professional football in July 2007 at age 34 after an eye injury sustained during a non-competitive game caused persistent blurred vision, preventing him from continuing to play.[84][46][85] In February 2022, Sutton openly discussed his mental health struggles from his playing days during a BBC interview alongside former player Micah Richards, prompted by Wayne Rooney's admissions about bottling up frustrations. He described his difficult spell at Chelsea, where media scrutiny portrayed him as a "laughing stock" after scoring just one league goal, leading to deep isolation as he kept his emotional turmoil private out of shame, even from his family.[86] "I used to behave like I didn’t care but it killed me and I was too ashamed to speak to my dad about it," Sutton reflected, noting the profound internal impact despite his outward demeanor.[86] He emphasized handling these issues alone in the football environment, which affected him "massively," and expressed regret for not seeking support from managers or coaches at the time.[86] Sutton has since advocated for enhanced mental health protections in football, highlighting the pressures of social media and public scrutiny on players. He praised initiatives like Crystal Palace's three-year aftercare program for former players and Manchester City's academy support systems as positive steps forward.[86] Through such public discussions, he has contributed to broader conversations on emotional wellbeing in the sport, stressing the need for more proactive measures to prevent similar experiences.[86] Sutton has also spoken openly about his father Mike Sutton's battle with dementia, diagnosed around 2016, which progressed severely by 2020. In interviews, he described the emotional toll on his family, including his father's decline and the need for better dementia care in sports, advocating for increased awareness and research funding in football.[87]Career statistics and honours
Club statistics
Chris Sutton's club career spanned from 1991 to 2007, with a brief return in 2012, during which he made 534 appearances and scored 184 goals across all competitions for professional clubs, plus one additional appearance and goal for non-league side Wroxham.[88] These figures encompass league matches in the Premier League and Scottish Premier League, as well as domestic cups, European competitions, and other tournaments. He also recorded 65 assists and accumulated 78 yellow cards and 6 red cards (including send-offs via two yellows) over his professional tenure.[88]Club Breakdown
The following table summarizes Sutton's appearances, goals, and assists by club, including all competitions:| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich City | 1991–1994 | 119 | 36 | 15 |
| Blackburn Rovers | 1994–1999 | 159 | 59 | 18 |
| Chelsea | 1999–2000 | 39 | 3 | 0 |
| Celtic | 2000–2006 | 197 | 84 | 29 |
| Birmingham City | 2006 | 11 | 1 | 1 |
| Aston Villa | 2006–2007 | 9 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 534 | 184 | 65 |
Non-League Appearance
In October 2012, five years after his retirement, Sutton made a one-off appearance for Eastern Counties League Premier Division side Wroxham in a Norfolk Senior Cup match against Great Yarmouth Town, scoring the winning goal in a 3–2 victory. This brought his overall club tally to 535 appearances and 185 goals.Disciplinary Record
Sutton received 78 yellow cards and 6 red cards across his career, with notable instances including 2 reds at Celtic and 2 yellow-red cards at Blackburn Rovers. His disciplinary issues were more pronounced in his earlier years, reflecting a combative playing style.[88]Hat-Tricks
Sutton achieved three hat-tricks during his Premier League career with Blackburn Rovers, underscoring his clinical finishing in key matches. Additionally, he scored one hat-trick for Norwich City in the Premier League (against Southampton in 1994) and at least two for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League (against Dundee United and Kilmarnock in 2003).[91]International and managerial statistics
Sutton earned a single senior cap for England, appearing as a substitute for 12 minutes in a 2–0 friendly victory over Cameroon on 15 November 1997 at Wembley Stadium.[57] At under-21 level, Sutton represented England 13 times between 1992 and 1994, scoring 1 goal with no recorded assists.[92] The following table summarizes his international playing statistics:| Level | Caps | Goals | Assists | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1997 |
| U21 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1992–1994 |
| Club | Tenure | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln City | 2009–2010 (League Two) | 51 | 14 | 13 | 24 | 27.45% | Finished 20th in league (partial season from match 8) |
Honours
During his professional playing career, Chris Sutton accumulated several major team and individual honours, primarily with Blackburn Rovers and Celtic. He earned no international honours with England, having made only one appearance.[94]Club
- Premier League: 1994–95 (Blackburn Rovers)[95]
- Scottish Premier League: 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2005–06 (Celtic)[95]
- Scottish Cup: 2000–01, 2003–04, 2004–05 (Celtic)[95]
- Scottish League Cup: 2000–01 (Celtic)[95]
Individual
- PFA Team of the Year: 1994–95 (Premier League)[96]
- Scottish PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2003–04[97]
- Scottish Premier League Player of the Year: 2003–04[1]