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. Messi's Barca relationship 'strained' but reunion could happen

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits that the club’s relationship with Lionel Messi became 'strained' after an unfortunate financial crisis led to the Argentine superstar having to leave Catalonia. Bridges have, however, been rebuilt since then and an emotional return to a spiritual home for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be discussed - potentially in an exhibition match at the recently upgraded Camp Nou.

  2. 'Absolute joke' - Bellingham's dad slammed by England hero

    Mark Bellingham, the father of Jude and Jobe, has seen some of his behaviour branded “an absolute joke” by England legend Sir Geoff Hurst. Bellingham senior has been billed as “the most powerful man in English football”, given the prominence of his two sons, but has also generated lively debate with his antics behind the scenes - with officials at Borussia Dortmund being confronted at one stage after Jobe was substituted at half-time.

  3. USMNT striker Wright advised to snub January transfer

    Haji Wright has been in impressive form for Coventry City, suggesting that there is a Premier League future for him somewhere, but the USMNT star has been advised to shun any interest shown during the January transfer window. The American frontman will be registering on recruitment radars after starring under Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard in the Championship.

  4. ‘CR7 biggest brand in the world’ - Football’s first billionaire

    Cristiano Ronaldo is “the biggest brand in the world”, according to the vice president of his former employers at Sporting, with the Portuguese GOAT becoming a “one-man show”. CR7 has become football’s first billionaire, allowing him to emulate the achievements of legendary figures such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Tiger Woods. There is no sign of the evergreen Al-Nassr striker slowing down.

  5. ‘Not fixtures secretary’ - Kane stat-padding claims rubbished

    Accusations of Harry Kane stat-padding for England by filling his boots against lesser opposition have been rubbished by former Three Lions striker Chris Sutton. Bayern Munich frontman Kane, who continues to captain his country, has taken his historic tally of international goals to 74. He will be looking to join Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive club by reaching 100.

  6. Did Rob Mac date Kim Kardashian? Olson addresses shock rumour

    Kaitlin Olson has addressed the rumour started by her husband Rob Mac regarding a supposed relationship that he enjoyed with Kim Kardashian. The shock gossip has got tongues wagging, with Mac suggesting that he once dated the most famous of American socialites. The Wrexham co-owner went to great lengths to back up his story, but his current partner has explained what really happened.

  7. Would Kane post Haaland numbers at Man City? Huge claim made

    Harry Kane has been told that he would post similar numbers to Erling Haaland if handed the No.9 jersey at Manchester City. The Blues were keen on the England captain at one stage, as they sought to bring another prolific presence onto their books. No deal was done with Tottenham and Kane ultimately headed to Bayern Munich, with Norwegian striker Haaland being added to star-studded ranks at the Etihad Stadium.

  8. Antonio’s mangled Ferrari sold for £50k after horror crash

    Michail Antonio’s mangled Ferrari has been up for sale on eBay, with the supercar being made available for £50,000. Former West Ham and Nottingham Forest forward Antonio suffered a horror car crash in December 2024 when colliding with a tree. He required major surgery after that accident, with the Jamaica international admitting that he was fortunate to escape with his life.

  9. Is Pulisic world-class? USMNT & AC Milan star told why he is

    Christian Pulisic has been told why he is world-class, with USMNT colleague Tyler Adams claiming that "an American is the best player in Serie A". Pulisic has earned that billing at AC Milan, with personal bests being posted in Italy while becoming a talismanic presence at San Siro. There is the promise of even more to come, with the hard-working forward considered to form part of the global elite.

  1. Yamal shares kisses, cuddles & helicopter ride with Nicole

    Lamine Yamal has taken the opportunity to spend quality time with girlfriend Nicki Nicole during an injury-enforced break from domestic and international football. The Barcelona wonderkid is nursing a groin complaint that has him stuck on the sidelines. He is, however, fit enough to have jetted off for a break with rap star partner Nicole. They have been sharing kisses, cuddles and a private helicopter ride.

  2. Five Premier League stars endure flight chaos on cracked plane

    Five Premier League players - including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey - were among those to endure flight chaos after jetting out of Nigeria's latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. There was midair mayhem during that journey as a cracked windscreen forced the plane that the Super Eagles were travelling on to make an emergency landing. Said trip was eventually completed some 12 hours later than initially planned.

  3. 'Doesn't have to apologise' - CR7 spared penalty miss criticism

    Cristiano Ronaldo remains untouchable in his homeland as the Portuguese GOAT, with the all-time great being told that he has nothing to apologise for after missing a penalty against the Republic of Ireland. The Al-Nassr superstar fluffed his lines from 12 yards during a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher keeping out his spot-kick before Ruben Neves snatched a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

  4. 'From Wrexham motherf*cker!' - How Rob & Ryan changed mindset

    Ryan Reynolds has explained how he and Rob Mac have changed the mindset of a football club and community in North Wales, with people now proud to say: “I’m from Wrexham motherf*cker!” That was not the case when two Hollywood stars completed a stunning takeover of then National League Red Dragons in 2021, with a record-shattering rise to prominence having been enjoyed since then.

  5. Messi makes more history in MLS by pulling clear of Zlatan!

    Lionel Messi has made more history in MLS, with the Argentine GOAT pulling clear of legendary Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was at his brilliant best for Inter Miami when helping them to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United. He bagged a brace in that contest, registering his ninth multi-goal performance of the season - a new record in MLS competition.

  6. 'We do miss Jude!' - Rice hits back at Bellingham critics

    Declan Rice has hit back at anybody questioning whether Jude Bellingham should be in the England squad, with the Arsenal star saying that the Three Lions "do miss" his fellow midfielder. Thomas Tuchel took to leaving the Real Madrid 'Galactico' out of his plans for a friendly date with Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia, leading some to ponder when or if a recall will be earned.

  7. Man Utd's takeover is on! Former bidder plots fresh approach

    Thomas Zilliacus, a former interested party when it comes to takeovers at Manchester United, claims that he would be happy to return to the negotiating table if the Glazer family opened themselves up to a sale. He is prepared to work alongside another investor, be that Sir Jim Ratcliffe or somebody else, with the Finnish entrepreneur stating that he wants to look after the best interests of Premier League heavyweights.