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. Liverpool WILL listen to offers for Salah! Bold shout explained

    Emile Heskey has told GOAL why Liverpool will listen to offers for Mohamed Salah this summer, with the Egyptian superstar finding himself back on the bench. The mercurial winger, with 254 goals for the Reds to his name, is under contract until the summer of 2027. He may, however, be moved on in the next transfer window while a fee can still be generated.

  2. Records vs trophies: Which mean more to history-maker Milner?

    Premier League history-maker James Milner has explained to GOAL why collective trophies won as part of “special” dressing rooms mean more to him than any personal accolades. The former Manchester City and Liverpool midfielder, who is now with Brighton, has been rewriting the English top-flight record books as an individual, but continues to take great pride in being a team player.

  3. Flabbergasted! Utd slammed over 'staggering' McTominay misuse

    Manchester United continue to face questions over why they allowed Scott McTominay to move on, with ex-Scotland international Andy Gray telling GOAL why a 2024 transfer left him “flabbergasted”. The Red Devils agreed to part with a home-grown star when sanctioning a £26 million ($35m) move to Napoli - with that decision coming back to haunt them as McTominay has starred in Italy.

  4. 'Animal' Dele 'only person' to complete 'famous' Tottenham test

    Kyle Walker has revealed that “animal” Dele Alli is the “only person” to have completed a “famous” running test at Tottenham. Ex-England international Dele was once a hard-working, goal-getting midfielder for Spurs. His career has come off the rails somewhat since then, as he currently finds himself without a club, but he retains a special place in the hearts of north London natives.

  5. ‘Not the same’ - Forest urged to re-sign Newcastle flop Elanga

    Anthony Elanga has been told he is “not the same sort of person” since completing a £55 million ($73m) transfer to Newcastle, with Nottingham Forest being urged to consider re-signing the flying winger if their Premier League status can be retained. Former Reds striker Marlon Harewood, who also spent time on loan at St James’ Park, has told GOAL why familiar faces should be on the City Ground recruitment radar.

  6. ‘They’ll be knocking on the door’ - Rogers transfer prediction

    Aston Villa legend Andy Gray has told GOAL why domestic, and potentially continental rivals will be “knocking on the door” for Morgan Rogers during the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old playmaker has seen his stock soar, to the point that he could be a starter for England at the 2026 World Cup. Chelsea and Manchester United are among those to have already been credited with interest.

  7. Milner the manager? ‘Important’ advice from Klopp revealed

    James Milner has revealed to GOAL the “important” piece of advice that he received from former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp while mulling over his own move into coaching. The ex-England international, who has become the Premier League’s all-time leading appearance maker, is weighing up his future options while representing Brighton at 40 years of age.

  1. Love Island star McKenzie reveals when Lehmann romance blossomed

    Ex-Love Island contestant Montel McKenzie, who remains an ambitious semi-professional footballer, has revealed when his romance with WSL star and former Baller League coach Alisha Lehmann blossomed. The happy couple went Instagram official with their relationship in January having both spent time working alongside Ruben Dias’ television presenter partner, Maya Jama.

  2. How record breaker Milner joined CR7 & Modric in exclusive club

    James Milner has explained in an exclusive interview with GOAL how he established the mindset that has allowed Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric to be joined in an exclusive club. Brighton star Milner - who has previously represented the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool - has become the Premier League’s all-time leading appearance maker at the age of 40.

  3. Ex-Utd star Lingard told biggest challenge he faces in Brazil

    Jesse Lingard has been advised on what the biggest challenge he faces in Brazilian football will be, with the ex-Manchester United star having linked up with Corinthians. Gus Poyet knows all about life in South America, as a former Uruguay international, and he has told GOAL why Lingard could thrive in that part of the world as a result of the “aura” that he possesses.

  4. How long will Pereira get? Ex-Forest star on four-boss season

    Nottingham Forest have made Premier League history in 2025-26 by working under four permanent managers in a single top-flight campaign. Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche and Vitor Pereira have all filled the City Ground dugout. Ex-Reds star Marlon Harewood has discussed a “crazy” season on Trentside with GOAL and pondered how long the man currently at the helm will get.

  5. Ex-West Ham star: Hammers will want to send sorry Spurs down

    Former West Ham striker Marlon Harewood has told GOAL that Tottenham’s struggles will provide added motivation for the Hammers in the ongoing Premier League relegation battle. Two London-based heavyweights are locked in a scrap for top-flight survival, with fierce local rivalry adding another intriguing dimension to what has already become an enthralling tussle.

  6. ‘Rice wouldn’t have an issue’ - Shock pick for PFA POTY

    Declan Rice is considered to be a leading contender for the 2025-26 PFA Player of the Year award, but Sunderland legend Don Goodman says the Arsenal midfielder “wouldn’t have an issue” with missing out to Granit Xhaka. One former Gunners star remains in the running to pip a current Premier League title contender to the most prestigious of individual accolades.