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. Man Utd & Arsenal-linked Tonali 'deserves to play for big team'

    Sandro Tonali has been told that he “deserves to play for a big team”, with the Newcastle midfielder reported to be attracting admiring glances from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. The Italy international has been at St James’ Park since 2023, with Giuseppe Rossi telling GOAL why big-money bids for a proven Premier League performer could be tabled during the summer transfer window of 2026.

  2. ‘Never say never’ - Why Liverpool return for Klopp could happen

    Jurgen Klopp continues to see a return to management speculated on, and Gary McAllister has told GOAL that a second spell at Liverpool cannot be ruled out. The enigmatic German walked away from Merseyside in the summer of 2024, but questions are being asked of his Anfield successor Arne Slot and an emotional retracing of steps to a spiritual home is being mooted.

  3. New ‘three-season story’ revelation made about Ted Lasso

    A revelation regarding a new “three-season story” for Ted Lasso has been made ahead of Jason Sudeikis and Co delivering Series 4 of the Emmy Award-winning production. With an initial run coming to a close in 2023, fans across the globe are readying themselves for a return to the world of AFC Richmond. One of the show’s co-creators has hinted at there being many more stories to tell.

  4. Pogba brutally told he’s had ‘three good years in entire career’

    Paul Pogba is looking to rebuild his career at Monaco, with the World Cup winner being brutally informed that he has “only had three good years in his entire career”. That is the opinion of Radja Nainggolan, who once lined up against the Frenchman in Serie A. Pogba has endured a tough time of late, with the ex-Manchester United and Juventus midfielder serving a doping ban.

  5. 📽️ | USMNT star McKennie slapped by boss after Juve goal

    USMNT star Weston McKennie was bizarrely slapped by his own manager after seeing Juventus score a goal in their 4-0 victory over Pisa. The United States international midfielder played the full 90 minutes of that contest, having lined up at wing-back, but may have been left sporting a sore head afterwards after being clipped on the cheek by Luciano Spalletti.

  6. Is Reynolds buying Brazilian club?! Wrexham co-owner responds

    Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has responded to reports suggesting that he is preparing to expand his football empire by acquiring a team in Brazil. Santa Cruz are the club in question, with it claimed that they could become the latest side to welcome A-list investors through the doors. Deadpool actor Reynolds has sought to calm that speculation.

  1. Kane's role in Spurs' demise explained by relegation-haunted star

    Harry Kane’s role in Tottenham’s demise has been explained by a relegation-haunted star of the club’s last tumble out of the top-flight. Spurs are in danger of slipping through that trapdoor again in 2026, with the north London heavyweights sweating on their Premier League status. Kane, the team’s all-time leading goalscorer, is among those watching on from afar.

  2. Pulisic's USMNT-themed 'myth' debunked by Milan legend

    Christian Pulisic has seen a USMNT-themed “myth” debunked by AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko. The United States international has faced accusations of already turning his attention towards a home World Cup this summer, but Shevchenko has refuted those claims and backed Pulisic to rediscover his best form at club level during the 2025-26 run-in.

  3. Ronaldo is an alien! Portuguese GOAT billed as 'extraterrestrial'

    Cristiano Ronaldo boasts supernatural qualities, with former Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo billing the Portuguese GOAT as an “extraterrestrial”. Many have suggested down the years that Ronaldo may not be from this world, given his record-shattering exploits, and a Brazilian colleague at Santiago Bernabeu has suggested that CR7 may be an alien from a different planet.

  4. 'What. A. Game' - Lively & Reynolds smile through Wrexham pain

    Blake Lively was able to smile through Wrexham’s FA Cup pain alongside husband Ryan Reynolds, with the Hollywood superstars enjoying the sense of occasion as the Red Dragons suffered a heartbreaking fifth round defeat to Chelsea. Premier League giants were pushed all the way at SToK Racecourse, requiring extra-time in order to seal a 4-2 win, with A-list guests revelling in the drama that professional sport generates.

  5. MLS urged to ditch Messi playbook when Argentine GOAT retires

    MLS is being urged to ditch its Lionel Messi playbook when the Argentine GOAT retires, with the division being advised to focus more on youth development. Global superstars have been crucial to the development and promotion of domestic soccer in the United States, but Giuseppe Rossi has told GOAL why a culture shift needs to take place in order for the game to truly thrive.

  6. Lampard & Coventry get ‘disaster’ PL promotion warning

    Frank Lampard and Coventry City have been warned that it could be a “disaster” if they fail to secure automatic promotion into the Premier League this season, given how dominant they have been in the Championship at times. Sky Blues legend Gary McAllister has told GOAL why a “big decision” in the dugout is paying off for a club that has been out of the top-flight for 25 years.

  7. Ronaldo warned Messi link-up at Inter Miami would be 'weird'

    Cristiano Ronaldo has been warned that a link-up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami would be “weird”, but the Portuguese is being urged to rekindle his rivalry with a familiar foe in MLS. Giuseppe Rossi, who once played alongside CR7 at Manchester United, has told GOAL why the evergreen frontman still has plenty of football left in him as questions are asked of his future at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

  8. Race To The Top: KSI and Dagenham confirm documentary

    KSI has, following his stunning move into football ownership, confirmed that Dagenham & Redbridge will be delivering a ‘Race To The Top’ documentary. Said production will initially be released on the social media star’s YouTube channel, allowing it to reach 17 million subscribers worldwide. The show will become a rival to the popular ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series overseen by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in North Wales.

  9. Explained: Leeds commodity worth more than any transfer

    Leeds United legend Gary McAllister has explained to GOAL why the atmosphere generated at Elland Road could be worth more to the Whites than any transfer deal. Premier League status for 2026-27 is not yet guaranteed in West Yorkshire, but a passionate group of supporters are doing their bit to help ensure that Daniel Farke’s side get over that line.