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 urged to hand Maguire new deal & avoid free agency

    Manchester United have been urged to hand Harry Maguire a new contract ahead of the experienced defender becoming a free agent this summer. The 32-year-old has spent seven seasons at Old Trafford, but is seeing questions asked of his future as his current deal runs down. Steve Bruce believes that fresh terms should be offered to the former “whipping boy”.

  2. How Rosenior 'showed angry side' as Chelsea manager

    Liam Rosenior often displays a calm demeanour in public, with the Chelsea manager seemingly not the type of character to rant and rave. It is, however, being claimed that the 41-year-old “showed his angry side” after seeing the Blues drop precious Premier League points in back-to-back draws with Leeds and Burnley. More is being demanded from an expensively-assembled squad.

  3. Prime Henry! Gyokeres billed as Arsenal’s 'missing link'

    Viktor Gyokeres displayed similarities to “prime Thierry Henry” in Arsenal’s derby victory over Tottenham and could be a “missing link” in the Gunners’ bid to bring a long wait for Premier League title glory to a close, claims Ray Parlour. The Swedish frontman has found form in 2026 and is hoping to be the man that returns domestic dominance to north London.

  4. Salah accused of 'behaving like a big baby' during goal drought

    Mohamed Salah has been accused of behaving “like a big baby” during his Premier League goal drought at Liverpool by ex-England boss Sam Allardyce. The Egyptian superstar was benched by Arne Slot earlier in the season amid struggles for form. He has returned to favour since aiming an explosive blast at the Reds, but continues to find end product in the final third hard to come by.

  5. USMNT star Pepi set PL goal target for 'fantastic' debut season

    USMNT star Ricardo Pepi continues to see a move to Fulham speculated on, having missed out on a switch to Craven Cottage during the winter transfer window of 2026. The United States international could see a deal pushed through in the summer, with former Cottagers striker Bobby Zamora telling GOAL what a “fantastic” debut season in English football for the 23-year-old frontman would look like.

  6. 📽️ | Snoop makes special request ahead of first Swansea game

    Snoop Dogg is preparing to take in his first live experience at Swansea City, with the American rapper set to be a special guest when the Swans play host to Preston North End. The music icon has been associated with the Championship outfit for some time, having become a minority stakeholder in the club, but has only now found space in his schedule for a trip to South Wales.

  7. Lewandowski sets goals target to secure Barca contract extension

    Robert Lewandowski is reluctant to leave Barcelona as a free agent and has reportedly set a goal target that will help him to earn a contract extension. The prolific Polish striker, who is now 37 years of age, is said to have a “very good” offer on the table from MLS side the Chicago Fire. He is ready to delay any move to the United States and remain in Catalunya.

  8. USMNT star McKennie finally set to sign new Juve contract

    USMNT star Weston McKennie has, according to reports in Italy, finally agreed a new contract with Juventus. Fresh terms will bring transfer talk to the close, as the United States international has been heading towards free agency. It is claimed that the versatile midfielder’s new deal will see him become one of the top earners with Serie A heavyweights.

  1. 'Can't make WC in this state' - Fans claim Neymar is 'done'

    Neymar has fans concerned that he will be in no fit state to form part of Brazil’s squad at the 2026 World Cup, with a viral clip of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar in action for Santos leading to accusations of the 34-year-old playmaker being “done”. Neymar is still clinging to the dream of representing his country at another major international tournament this summer.

  2. Wrexham tie talismanic duo down to contract extensions

    Wrexham have tied midfield duo Ollie Rathbone and George Dobson to new contracts. The energetic pair, who are full of running in the Red Dragons’ engine room, have seen their efforts in North Wales rewarded with fresh terms. With long-term future issues taken care of, they can now focus fully on a bid to reach the Premier League through a fourth successive promotion.

  3. Kane billed as 'the second Beckham' amid Bayern exit talk

    Harry Kane has been billed as “the second David Beckham” as questions continue to be asked of his long-term future at Bayern Munich. The England international striker has been at the Allianz Arena since 2023, breaking his fabled trophy duck in Germany, but has less than 18 months left to run on his contract. Lothar Matthaus believes that a “global brand” will agree fresh terms.

  4. Mourinho 'f*cked up' with 'clumsy' Vini comments - Mikel

    Jose Mourinho “f*cked up” with his “clumsy” comments on Vinicius Junior, claims former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel. The Portuguese coach attracted criticism following a Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid that sparked another racism row. Mourinho sought to defend his player, Gianluca Prestianni, while questioning the behaviour of Brazilian star Vinicius.

  5. Loftus-Cheek reveals gruesome injuries after jaw surgery

    Ruben Loftus-Cheek has revealed the gruesome injuries that he suffered when taking a heavy blow to the face during AC Milan’s Serie A clash with Parma. The England international midfielder has undergone surgery to fix a broken jaw. The former Chelsea star is now nursing serious swelling on his face, while also missing a number of teeth.

  6. Liverpool hero backs USMNT star Pulisic as Salah replacement

    Liverpool cult hero Emile Heskey believes that USMNT star Christian Pulisic could be a useful replacement for Mohamed Salah at Anfield. The American forward boasts Premier League experience from a stint at Chelsea and has starred in Italy for AC Milan. A return to England is being speculated on, with another winger potentially being required on Merseyside.