Chris Burton Author Image

Chris Burton

Senior News Writer

Bio: If you can’t make a living from playing the game, then make one writing about it. I did my best to tick the first of those boxes, but it was not to be. I have been working hard at the latter for the best part of two decades and joined the collection of international stars that make up team GOAL in 2016. I am now Senior Staff Writer, which means my days are spent covering everything that the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of football has to offer. I have always been a fan of mercurial talents and love an underdog story, which goes some way to explaining why - alongside my East Midlands roots - Nottingham Forest are (for better or worse) my team of choice.

My Football Story: From the local playing field with friends, all through school, representing teams at various levels and facing a number of future professionals, to endless hours spent at the City Ground, a university degree and professional employment that has taken me to iconic venues across the country, football has always been the thread that ties my past, present and future together. I wouldn’t have it any other way and consider myself fortunate that I have been able to pass my passion for the game down to my son, who now finds himself heading down a similar path.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Nottingham Forest Football Club - with there always a lot going on there
  • News sourcing and writing - identifying what real fans want to talk about
  • Interviews - don’t believe those that say you shouldn’t interact with your heroes
  • Analysis & insight - not just explaining what happened, but how and why

Favourite Footballing Memory: I was too young to have witnessed Nottingham Forest’s European glory years and not yet old enough to have seen them add a third star to that famous Garibaldi shirt, being at Wembley as a 23-year wait for Premier League football came to a close will always be a special experience. I don’t remember much about the game itself, given the nerve-shredding nature of play-off finals, but the celebrations afterwards made enough memories to last several lifetimes.

Articles by Chris Burton
  1. ‘Unfortunate’ - Messi defended after terrible Panenka penalty

    Lionel Messi has been defended by Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano after missing a penalty against Charlotte. Having been handed a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the Herons’ latest MLS fixture, their talismanic skipper saw a woeful Panenka attempt easily kept out by Kristijan Kahlina - who barely had to move in order to make a notable save.

  1. Real Madrid star Mbappe criticised for having ‘no private life’

    Kylian Mbappe has been criticised for having “no private life”, with the Real Madrid superstar being urged to accept the “price of fame”. It has been revealed that the France international, who recently claimed that the world of football is “disgusting”, does not have a driver’s licence. A fellow countryman has questioned the decision to become so reclusive.

  2. 'Antics that are crap' - Why Rossi wouldn’t pay to watch Suarez

    Giuseppe Rossi is an admirer of Luis Suarez’s on-field ability, but admits that some of the Uruguayan’s antics “are crap”. With that in mind, the forward who spent time with Manchester United, Newcastle, Villarreal and in MLS during his playing days has explained why he would not pay to watch the Inter Miami striker in action the next time that he passes through New York.

  3. Messi future call! Inter Miami get answer to contract question

    Inter Miami have reportedly got the answer they wanted after putting various contract questions to Lionel Messi, with the Argentine GOAT ready to sign a “multiyear” extension with the MLS outfit. His current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2025 campaign, but the South American superstar is poised to end any speculation regarding his future.

  4. The GOAT? CR7’s former team-mate prefers to talk about Messi

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s one-time Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has great admiration for the Portuguese superstar, but admits that he prefers to talk about Lionel Messi. American-born Rossi - who spent time in England, Spain and the United States during his playing days - has offered a slightly different take on the long-running GOAT debate.

  5. Messi sent 'it's done' advice after emulating Ronaldo

    Lionel Messi has been sent "it's done" advice after choosing to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and extend his remarkable playing career. With CR7 extending his Al-Nassr contract at 40 years of age, Argentine icon Messi is expected to tread a similar path by agreeing fresh terms with Inter Miami in MLS. Neither of the all-time greats are ready to consider retirement any time soon.

  6. WAG party! Rooneys want Beckham & Clancy at Wayne's 40th bash

    Coleen Rooney reportedly wants fellow WAGs Victoria Beckham, Abbey Clancy. Toni Terry and Alex Gerrard to attend husband Wayne's 40th birthday bash. The Manchester United and England legend will reach a notable personal landmark on October 24. His long-time partner is said to be organising a lavish celebration that will have no "budget limitations".

  7. Tottenham condemn ‘cowardly’ racist abuse sent to Naz

    Tottenham have condemned the "disgraceful" and “cowardly” racist abuse sent to forward Jessica Naz in the wake of the club’s Women’s League Cup victory over Aston Villa. The 24-year-old was subjected to vile taunts online after figuring in a fixture that saw Spurs prevail on penalties. She has spoken out against the social media trolls, with Tottenham offering their full support.

  8. Bellingham told to copy LeBron James with $3m recovery scheme

    Jude Bellingham has been advised to take inspiration from NBA legend LeBron James. The England international midfielder has returned to competitive action with Real Madrid after undergoing shoulder surgery over the summer. He is now looking to retain fitness for as long as possible, allowing him to star for club and country, with Malik Scott urging the Three Lions talisman to take a leaf out of LeBron’s record-shattering playbook.

  9. Jose Mourinho

    'Already be in sh*t' - Mourinho told fans 'prefer Pep & Klopp'

    Jose Mourinho has been warned that he may "already be in sh*t" at Benfica as many supporters of his new club "prefer Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp". Having returned to his homeland in familiar surroundings, it is up to Mourinho to win those supporters over. He remains one of the most highly-decorated coaches in the business, but has seen the odd question asked of his methods at 62 years of age.

  10. Messi told ‘God-given gifts’ would make him a star in MMA

    Lionel Messi is seemingly ready to extend his association with Inter Miami, with a new contract being mooted that will keep the Argentine GOAT in MLS. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has, however, been told that the “God-given” physical attributes that he possesses would make him a star in MMA if he ever fancied swapping a rectangular football field for a fighting octagon.