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. Unsung heroes? Three players picked out by ex-USMNT star

    Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic dominated headlines as the USMNT enjoyed a dream start to their 2026 World Cup campaign, but who are the unsung heroes in Mauricio Pochettino’s team? In conversation with GOAL, former keeper Kasey Keller has picked out three players that have a crucial role to play for the co-hosts at FIFA’s flagship event.

  2. EPL fixtures 26-27: Opened weekend, final day & derby dates

    The Premier League fixture list for 2026-27 has been released. Arsenal will be looking to defend their title, while the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United have sights locked on the ultimate prize. Coventry are back in the big time after a 25-year absence, while several managerial changes mean that new eras are being ushered in across the division. Here, GOAL picks out the most notable matches from what promises to be another thrilling top-flight campaign.

  3. Full EPL fixture lists: Arsenal, Utd, City, Liverpool & Chelsea

    Newly-appointed permanent managers will be in place at Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City when the 2026-27 campaign gets underway, while Mikel Arteta remains in charge of defending champions Arsenal. With full fixture lists having been released, GOAL takes a look at the respective schedules of teams from London and the North West that will be hoping to savour title glory when another action-packed season comes to a close.

  4. Pulisic receives World Cup ‘shop window’ transfer advice

    Christian Pulisic has been given “shop window” transfer advice, with ex-USMNT star Kasey Keller reacting to the talented forward’s ongoing contract saga at AC Milan during an interview with GOAL. For now, a man that has often taken on the ‘Captain America’ moniker at international level is enjoying the “relief factor” of representing his country at a home World Cup - with a dream start being made to that tournament.

  5. Revealed: When Kane was told he’ll ‘never be good enough’

    Harry Redknapp has revealed to GOAL when a “never be good enough” assessment of Harry Kane was delivered, with the record-breaking England captain going on to make a mockery of that verdict. During his early years at Tottenham, doubts were raised as to whether the ambitious striker would ever make the grade. He is now the all-time leading scorer for Spurs and the Three Lions, while also becoming a Ballon d’Or contender.

  6. Tuchel given ‘disastrous’ WC warning after ‘strange decision’

    Thomas Tuchel has taken on one of the most arduous tasks in world football - the England manager’s job - and Harry Redknapp has told GOAL that a “disastrous” World Cup could lead to the German tactician quitting despite a “strange” contract extension being signed. Everybody connected with the Three Lions is hoping that scenario can be avoided as another quest for elusive major honours is opened.

  7. ‘Sky’s the limit’ for Reyna as USMNT star gets familiar advice

    Gio Reyna has been told that the “sky’s the limit” when it comes to his potential, but the USMNT star faces familiar words of advice while trying to fully unlock that ability. Ex-United States international Kasey Keller - who is a close friend of the Reyna family - has told GOAL of the need to find greater consistency after netting a wondergoal against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.

  8. Heir to Kane? Concerning reason why England lack new No.9

    England have no obvious heir to Harry Kane’s throne emerging through their domestic system, with ex-Premier League and Three Lions striker Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL the concerning reason for that. The most prolific of No.9s continues to lead the line at present, rewriting the history books as he goes, but what happens when he is no longer around?

  9. How Anderson becomes an ‘absolute bargain’ at £125m-plus

    Manchester City remain in the hunt for Elliot Anderson, with Nottingham Forest reportedly demanding a British record transfer package of £125 million-plus ($168m) for the England international midfielder. Reds legend Stan Collymore has told GOAL how the classy 23-year-old would represent “value for money” and become an “absolute bargain”, with those concepts becoming increasingly difficult to judge in modern sport.

  1. Where does England star Pickford rank on EPL keeper chart?

    Jordan Pickford has been England’s No.1 for the best part of a decade, but where does the Everton star rank on the Premier League goalkeeper chart? Former Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Three Lions shot-stopper David James has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL - as a proven performer is placed in illustrious company.

  2. Happy behind Kane? England’s ‘finishers’ have key role to play

    Harry Kane remains England’s go-to option for attacking inspiration, as the talismanic captain of his country, but Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL why “finishers” such as Ollie Watkins and Anthony Gordon have an important part to play at the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions are ready to start roaring on North American soil, with squad depth crucial to Thomas Tuchel.

  3. Man up! Tonali & Guimaraes told how to act in transfer window

    Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have been generating plenty of transfer speculation at Newcastle, with Magpies legend Chris Waddle - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - urging the midfield duo to be “man enough” to state their future intentions in public. The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be sniffing around a couple of proven Premier League performers.

  4. Cherki x Yamal? ‘Insane’ Barcelona attack mooted

    Barcelona love an entertaining playmaker - having seen Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi grace their books - and Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL that Rayan Cherki could go on to forge an “insane” attack alongside Lamine Yamal at Camp Nou. The French midfielder is currently starring for Manchester City, but a future switch to La Liga cannot be ruled out.

  5. Will Pickford take an England penalty? Tuchel’s stance predicted

    Jordan Pickford has stated his desire to take a penalty for England, but would the Everton goalkeeper be picked to step up in a shootout if a 2026 World Cup fixture went the distance? Former Three Lions shot-stopper David James has told GOAL what Thomas Tuchel’s stance is likely to be, with history dictating that plans do need to be drawn up in that department.

  6. Pep a Tuchel threat? Two reasons why England boss shouldn’t fret

    Pep Guardiola is out of work, after leaving Manchester City, but should his sudden availability concern England boss Thomas Tuchel - a man under pressure to deliver at the 2026 World Cup? Former Three Lions star Michael Owen has given two reasons to GOAL why a German tactician filling the most demanding of roles should not fret about the shadow cast by a highly-decorated Catalan coach.