Chris Sutton

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Lore & Background

Sutton was known for his glancing headers and versatility, often playing as a centre-half or central midfielder. He holds the record for the quickest goal in an Old Firm clash, scoring inside 18 seconds at Ibrox in 2002. His best season was 2003–04, where he scored 19 SPL goals and was voted SPFA Player of the Year. However, his character also sparked controversy, notably when he accused Dunfermline Athletic of 'lying down' to let Celtic lose the title in 2002–03.

In Their Own Story

In October 2006, Sutton signed with Aston Villa but suffered blurred vision against Manchester United in December. Despite visiting specialists, his condition did not improve, and he retired on 5 July 2007. Six years later, in October 2012, he made a surprise return to play for non-league Wroxham as a substitute.

Reader's Guide

Sutton's time at Celtic spanned from July 2000 until January 2006. He scored the first and last goals in a famous 6–2 victory over Rangers in his first Old Firm match. While primarily a striker, he deployed himself as a centre-half against Rangers on 4 October 2003. His career at the club ended when Gordon Strachan took over management in 2005–06, leading to sporadic appearances before his free transfer departure.

Did You Know?

• Sutton holds the record for the quickest goal in an Old Firm clash, scoring inside 18 seconds at Ibrox in 2002.
• He was voted SPFA Player of the Year in the 2003–04 season after scoring 19 SPL goals.
• Sutton famously refused to apologize for chasing a ball kicked out by Arsenal during a sportsmanship incident, which cost Blackburn a corner and eventually a Champions League spot.
• He was known as one of the foremost exponents of the glancing header, making him particularly effective from set-pieces.