Mike Sutton (footballer)

Michael John Sutton (5 October 1944 – 26 December 2020) was an English professional footballer. He played in the Football League for three clubs. Two of his sons, Chris and John, have also played professionally.

Mike Sutton
Personal information
Full name Michael John Sutton
Date of birth (1944-10-05)5 October 1944
Place of birth Norwich, England
Date of death 26 December 2020(2020-12-26) (aged 76)
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
1960–1962 Norwich City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1962–1967 Norwich City 51 (3)
1967–1970 Chester 138 (9)
1970–1972 Carlisle United 53 (1)
c.1976–1984 Great Yarmouth Town
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Sutton began his career in his home city of Norwich with Norwich City, with whom he turned professional in September 1962. He made more than 50 league appearances over the next five years and then joined Chester. This followed successful efforts by Chester manager Peter Hauser to persuade a disillusioned Sutton not to go ahead with his plans to quit football.[1] Sutton played in all league games over the next three seasons (including one substitute appearance)[2] before moving to Carlisle United for £10,000 at a time when Chester were in financial difficulties.[3]

Unfortunately, Sutton was forced to retire from playing professional football two years later due to injury.[4] Sutton then spent four years studying physical education and biology at Loughborough University and became a teacher at Hellesdon High School, in Norwich.[4] He returned to football by playing for Great Yarmouth Town for eight years and became involved in coaching youngsters at Norwich City.[4]

Sutton was also actively involved with Drayton Cricket Club for many years, including a spell as club chairman from 2003 to 2005.[5]

Death

Sutton died on 26 December 2020, aged 76.[6] He had suffered from dementia for the past decade.[7] His son Chris Sutton had spoken about his father's condition as part of a campaign to persuade football authorities to do more to protect players from the effects of repeated heading of the ball.[8][9]

References
  1. Chas Sumner (1997). On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885–1997. p. 79. ISBN 1-874427-52-6.
  2. Chas Sumner (1997). On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885–1997. pp. stats section. ISBN 1-874427-52-6.
  3. Chas Sumner (1997). On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885–1997. p. 82. ISBN 1-874427-52-6.
  4. 'Player Memories', Chester City v. Crewe Alexandra matchday programme; 19 October 1993; p. 24
  5. "Mike Sutton Player Profile". Drayton Cricket Club. Archived from the original on 24 October 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  6. "Ex-Norwich City player and Hellesdon High teacher Mike Sutton dies". Eastern Daily Press. 27 December 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
  7. Wilkie, Stephen (27 December 2020). "Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton pays tribute to his father following his death on Boxing Day". The Scotsman. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  8. Smith, Aidan (27 December 2020). "Ex-Celtic star Chris Sutton pays touching tribute to 'hero' father Mike following his sad passing". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  9. "Chris Sutton announces the death of his father from dementia". ITV News. 27 December 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
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