When it comes to defending Scottish Fitba on the Telly and telling things exactly how they are, one name springs to mind. This guy doesn’t suffer fools gladly and takes a lot of criticism online much of which is unfounded for me. If you listen to him, he’s not often wrong either. Bhoys & Ghirls, I give you, Chris Sutton.
Chris, welcome along to “The Celtic Bhoys” as our first ever #10IAR (Ten In A Row) feature guest. Chris will be answering ten questions all on our beloved Celtic, so sit back and enjoy as we go through Chris’s magical time at Paradise with these ten questions.
When did you first hear about Celtic’s interest in you?
I had signed a six year deal at Chelsea the previous season and had a stinker! At the end of the season I had Middlesbrough, Spurs and Celtic all agree the Six Million Pound Fee. I met with Martin O’Neill at a hotel near Wycombe and that was all it took! I was excited to sign for Martin and Celtic.
Where does Martin rank amongst the other Manager’s you’ve worked alongside?
The period I had at Celtic under Martin was my most memorable as I really appreciated what I had. I thought once I’d make the breakthrough at a young age at Norwich City everything would be a natural progression. My time at Chelsea set me back and under Martin I regained my confidence and love for the game. I was a big admirer of Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn, he was very similar to Martin and always backed his players.
Who were the characters in the dressing room during your time at Paradise?
There were lots of good strong characters ! Henrik was ruthless and respected. Neil Lennon a serial moaner in the nicest possible way. But the truth is I ran the dressing room. Jonathan Gould was funny, Johan Mjallby was not one to mess with and you didn’t joke with Bobo!
What were your top 3 goals in the Hoops?
1. Chip v Rangers in the whitewash.
2. Volley v Juventus.
3. Header v Lyon. I took the throw in on half way followed it in and Henrik hit a sublime cross and I finished it. A great Champions League night!
What was the best match you played in for Celtic?
The 6-2 game. Still my favourite game. Iconic game which shifted the balance of power in Glasgow.
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A question I see on Social Media a lot is the comparison between MON’s side and Brendan’s side. Hypothetically, if they were both to meet at their best, who would’ve won the game?
Total respect for Brendan’s team but it was a different era. The truth is we had a bit more with the likes of the King and Lubo.
If there was one player in Celtic’s history that you could’ve played alongside but never got the opportunity to do so, who would it be and why?
John Clark, a gentleman and a true legend.
Who was your toughest opponent in a Celtic shirt?
Roberto Ayala of Valencia was brutal. He wasn’t the biggest but a huge heart and a brilliantly dirty player. He knew every trick in the book. A top defender!
Just how special a player was your old strike partner Henrik Larsson?
Henrik was simply the greatest I played with and I was lucky enough to play with some greats. He could do everything score all types of goals, link up. He was such an intelligent player and very unselfish. The ultimate team player. A superstar with no ego!
Finally Chris, what do you think of the job Brendan Rodgers has done at Celtic so far?
Total admiration for what Brendan has done with this Celtic team after taking over a mess. He has transformed the club and improved virtually every player under his reign. A great organiser and tactician.
Next: St Johnstone v Celtic preview
Chris, that was all we hoped for and much more. We love the enthusiasm you have for our game up here and thanks for always defending it. Thanks for all the memories you gave us in a Celtic jersey too. That partnership with Henrik was sensational. Good luck with the rest of your career and just keep doing what you’re doing. HH