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. McDonald’s after Ballon d’Or! How Williamson & Smith celebrated

    Leah Williamson was among the superstars in attendance at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, with the Arsenal and England defender being joined at that event by model girlfriend Elle Smith. They thoroughly enjoyed rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in world football, and made the most of an opportunity to let their collective hair down afterwards when enjoying a McDonald’s takeaway.

  2. Galatasaray handed boost by Osimhen ahead of Liverpool clash

    Galatasaray have been handed a huge fitness boost by Victor Osimhen ahead of their Champions League clash with Premier League giants Liverpool. The Reds are due to pay a visit to Turkey next Tuesday. Gala are desperate to have Nigeria international Osimhen available for that fixture, and the prolific striker appears ready to make a timely return to competitive action.

  3. Gerrard ticks ‘Disney’ box for Rob & Ryan at Wrexham

    Steven Gerrard is considered to tick the “Disney” box for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with Wrexham continuing to see moves for a “so-called bigger name” in the managerial department speculated on. If Phil Parkinson were to be moved on by the Red Dragons, then a Liverpool legend may be approached as he boasts the “American connection” that has taken on greater importance in North Wales.

  4. Harry Kane

    Kane told the 'obvious choice' he should make next summer

    Harry Kane has been informed of the “obvious choice” he should make in the summer of 2026 if exit doors do swing open at Bayern Munich. The former Tottenham striker has seen a return to the Premier League speculated on. There is said to be a clause in his contract that could be triggered in 2026, with leading sides in England keeping a close eye on his situation.

  5. 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.

  6. Yamal visits Gavi in hospital after injury blow for Barcelona

    Lamine Yamal has visited Barcelona team-mate Gavi in hospital after seeing his fellow La Masia academy graduate suffer another devastating injury blow. It has been revealed that Spain international midfielder Gavi is facing between four and five months on the sidelines after being forced to undergo surgery on another knee problem - with a long-term solution to frustrating fitness issues being sought.

  7. Magical Messi makes more MLS history with Inter Miami

    Lionel Messi has made more MLS history with Inter Miami as records continue to tumble around the Argentine GOAT. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has become the first MLS player to post 35 goal contributions in back-to-back seasons after netting twice and registering one assist in the Herons’ comfortable 4-0 victory over New York City FC in the Big Apple.

  1. USMNT star Tillman in ‘do more’ admission after €35m transfer

    USMNT star Malik Tillman admits that he has to “do more” on the back of his €35 million (£31m/$41m) transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. The 23-year-old midfielder has opened his goal account for new employers, with his best position being explained, but acknowledges the need to deliver end product after being acquired by Bundesliga giants to provide a creative spark.

  2. Messi & Miami nominated for new Ballon d'Or award

    Lionel Messi is in line for more Ballon d’Or recognition after seeing Inter Miami nominated for a new award. Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele walked away with the Golden Ball in 2025, with the one-time Barcelona team-mate of Argentine icon Messi being named the best player on the planet. Several other prestigious prizes have been handed out.

  3. Maresca fears Liverpool 'impossible to catch' after £446m spend

    Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca fears Liverpool may be “impossible to catch” after seeing the Reds invest £446 million ($603m) during the summer transfer window of 2025. Arne Slot’s side were already reigning Premier League champions and a faultless start has been made to the new season as domestic rivals worry about how to stage their own title challenges.

  4. ‘Quit on Man Utd' - Scholes brands Rashford a 'disgrace'

    Paul Scholes claims that Marcus Rashford “quit on Manchester United” and has branded the England international’s attitude a “disgrace”. A product of the Red Devils’ famed academy system spent time on loan at Aston Villa last season, having slipped out of favour under Ruben Amorim, before linking up with La Liga giants Barcelona for the 2025-26 campaign.

  5. De Zerbi issues threat to Greenwood & Marseille after PSG win

    Roberto De Zerbi has threatened Mason Greenwood and his Marseille squad after seeing them claim a notable Classique victory over arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain. A battling win in a rearranged fixture at Stade Velodrome underlined the title credentials of De Zerbi’s side, but he has pointed out that said win will count for little if it does not set a standard for the rest of the season.

  6. 'A disaster!' - Messi's father 'basically runs' Inter Miami

    Former Leeds United and MLS star Mateusz Klich claims Inter Miami have become a “disaster” for players and coaching staff as Lionel Messi’s father "basically runs the club” and nothing happens at Chase Stadium without the “consent” of talismanic figures. Argentine GOAT Messi has been in the United States since bidding farewell to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.