Twenty-four years ago, on July 10, 2000, Celtic Football Club made a transformative signing by acquiring Chris Sutton from Chelsea for £6 million. This move marked the beginning of a significant chapter in both Sutton’s career and Celtic’s history under Martin O’Neill.
The English forward arrived at Celtic following a challenging season at Chelsea, where he struggled to fit into Gianluca Vialli’s tactical setup, managing just one league goal. However, Martin O’Neill saw in him a player who could rejuvenate his career and add depth to Celtic’s attacking options. Sutton did not disappoint; he scored the winning goal on his league debut against Dundee United and soon became a key player for the Hoops.
Prolific Partnership with Henrik Larsson
One of the most defining aspects of Sutton’s time at Celtic was his partnership with Henrik Larsson. The duo formed one of the most formidable striking partnerships in Celtic’s history. Their synergy on the pitch was instrumental as they landed a treble, and also got the club to a UEFA cup final, now known as the Europa League.
In his first Glasgow Derby, Sutton made an immediate impact by scoring within the first few minutes and netting another goal later in the game, contributing to a memorable 6-2 victory over Rangers. This performance endeared him to Celtic fans and showcased his big-game mentality.
Sutton’s versatility was another asset; during his time at Celtic he played not only as a striker but also in central midfield and defence when injury ravaged the squad. Chris was front and centre of some magical nights for Celtic in Europe; Ajax, Juventus, and Barcelona all spring to mind.
Despite their domestic success, Celtic faced heartbreak in the Champions League. During the 2001-02 season, Sutton scored crucial goals that showcased his talent on the European stage, including a memorable volley against Juventus at Celtic Park. However, despite securing nine points in the group stages, a tally that would often be enough to progress, Celtic did not advance to the last 16. This side is often remembered as one of the best Celtic teams never to make it past the group stages of the Champions League. That ghost penalty in Turin cost us dearly.
Chris Sutton’s impact at Celtic extended beyond his goals and assists. He embodied the fighting spirit Martin O’Neill ushered in. Sutton’s best season came in 2003-04 when he was the SPL’s top scorer and was named the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year. The Englishman famously scored a last minute winner to complete a whitewash over Rangers.
His departure in 2006 under Gordon Strachan due to injuries and changes in management marked the end of an era for Celtic.
After leaving the Hoops, Chris had brief stints at Birmingham City and Aston Villa before retiring in 2007 due to an eye injury. He transitioned into a successful media career, where he works both north and south of the border all year round. His latest Scottish football gig has him mercilessly ribbing an often shellshocked Kris Boyd.
Sutton’s years at Celtic remain a highlight of his career, fondly remembered by fans and introduced to a new generation of the support through his Celtic leaning punditry. Although it’s clear he’s Celtic daft, he can be hyper critical of his former employers when he feels there’s cause for concern. As he himself reflected, his time at Celtic under Martin O’Neill was the most enjoyable period of his football career.
Interestingly, the £6 million Celtic paid for Sutton was considered a substantial investment at the time, reflecting the club’s ambition under Martin O’Neill.
Fast forward 24 years, and the club still often pays less for its players, despite inflation. This consistent under-investment is seen by many as a lack of ambition from a board that has largely remained unchanged since Sutton’s era. The reluctance to spend more significant sums on players continues to be a point of contention among supporters who yearn for the club to make bold moves in the transfer market akin to the Sutton signing.
